Driving in bad weather

When severe weather hits, whether it's snow, ice, flooding or high wind, it's usually best to stay off the roads, but if your journey is essential then being prepared for the conditions can make all the difference.

Before you set off

It's probably worth spending a few minutes before you set off in order to be prepared:

Don't leave your car unattended while it is warming up - it could be stolen by an opportunist thief, your policy will not cover you for theft.
Plan your journey and allow more time.
Check the weather forecast before you set off. You can check weather conditions on the Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk website.
Listen to local and/ or national radio for travel information updates.
Take a fully charged mobile phone, including sufficient credit if you’re on a Pay As You Talk tariff.
Tell someone where you are going, the route you're planning on taking and plan to call when you arrive.
Clear your windows, mirrors, lights and roof before setting off.
Consider keeping some de-icer in your home in case your car locks or door are frozen.
De-frost your wiper blades and washer jets before using them.
Don't use very hot water when clearing glass - this can cause it to crack.
Slow down during bad weather. Braking distances are longer during wet conditions, and even more so on ice or snow.
If conditions are particularly bad make sure you take extra clothes, food and drink, a first aid kit, torch and wellingtons or stout boots.
Stay on main roads as these are more likely to have been gritted or maintained than side and minor roads, and more help may be at hand.
Check fuel, anti-freeze, windscreen washer fluid, wiper blades, tyres and oil level before setting off. You should also check your tyres.
In winter carry a windscreen scraper and de-icer, and in snowy conditions take a spade or shovel.
Make sure you've got details of your Breakdown Recovery provider.
It's worth making sure you've got a map book or Sat Nav, even if you are going on a route you know well. You may have to make a detour into an area that is less familiar.

Safety while driving

In extreme weather, you may encounter driving conditions that are unafmiliar to you. We have listed a few of the more likely situations, and some basic tips as to how to react to them.

Ice and snow

First of all, make sure you clear snow off your car, including the roof, windscreen, windows and lights before you drive off. If your car is iced up, ensure all windows are fully clear before setting off - don't be tempted to drive through a "letterbox" windscreen. Drive with extra care, keep your speed down and keep well back from the vehicle in front - stopping distances are much greater in the snow and ice.

When roads are icy, drive slowly in a high gear and take extra care on bends, braking progressively as you approach. Make sure you get into a low gear early when you need to stop and only brake gently.

Look out for vehicles spreading salt, and snow ploughs. It’s generally best to stay well back and only overtake if the road ahead has been cleared and you’re certain it’s absolutely safe.

Black ice/ice patches

Ice can be difficult to see and therefore difficult to anticipate. Black ice forms when running water or standing water freezes on the road and it can stay for some time even after the sun comes out. Be particularly careful on corners, bends and roundabouts so it won't take you by surprise if do come across it.

If your vehicle starts to skid

It's important not to panic and not to brake. Depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road.

Windscreen cracks and chips

Windscreen chips often create tiny holes in the glass where water can enter. If the water freezes it will expand and can make the chip worse or crack the windscreen.

Your windscreen provides up to 30% of the vehicle's structural strength and the passenger airbag relies on the windscreen to provide support if the airbag deploys. Repairing a chip will result in your windscreen being as strong as before the damage happened.

Driving in fog

Drive slowly and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you. Only use your fog lights if visibility is less than 100m and switch them off once conditions have improved.

Fog is often patchy so drive with caution even when visibility improves - there may still be fog further on. Make sure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front, and don't hang on to their tail-lights.

Driving in the rain

Reduce your speed when the road is wet as it can take up to twice as long to stop, so it's also important to keep your distance from the car in front. Be prepared for spray from other vehicles which can obscure your vision.

Floods

When approaching floods slow down and avoid driving through surface water if possible. If you do have to drive through, stop and assess the shallowest part, remember the deepest water is usually nearest the kerb. Use first gear and keep your revs high. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine.

After you have passed through the water test your brakes to make sure it's safe to drive at your usual speed.

Dealing with aquaplanes

If you travel through deep water your vehicle could aquaplane. It's important not to panic, but to slow down gradually without braking or steering sharply.

Driving in strong winds

In very windy weather strong gusts can blow a vehicle off course. This can happen on open stretches of road or when passing bridges and high-sided vehicles. Be prepared for this type of deflection.

Helpful resources