Driving in the winter is a challenge, with icy weather spoiling travel plans. Even the most experienced drivers can be caught out by ice and snow, so proper preparation and careful driving is important. In the United Kingdom, there are nearly double the number of breakdowns in the cold months. To make sure you are not stranded by the roadside, here is a Go Hire It refresher on road safety tips for winter driving.
Tips for Winter Driving
Here are some tips for driving in the winter
Plan out your route carefully
Always plan out your route during winter. Extreme weather makes roads hazardous, so reassess journeys – even those you make frequently – to consider whether a safer route is on offer. Major roads are more likely to have been treated, so avoid minor roads if possible.
Check your vehicle
Battery, alternator and tyre faults are very common reasons for winter breakdowns. All these parts are vulnerable to the cold weather so as well as clearing your windscreen, mirrors, and all lights of snow and ice, it is equally important to have these parts of your van checked.
The condition of your tyres is one of the most important winter safety factors. Check the tread depth – you really need at least 3mm in winter. You should consider switching over to winter tyres, which give better grip in cold conditions, not just snow and ice.
Accelerate and brake gently
Operate the van’s controls gently. Use lower revs and change into a higher gear quicker. Keeping the revs low reduces wheel spin. If your vehicle does skid, steer into it, easing off the gas.
When driving down a hill, reduce your speed and select a lower gear than usual. Avoid stabbing at the brakes: do it gently. When going up a hill, try to avoid stopping halfway up. Wait until the approach is clear of vehicles before moving off.
KVS Van Hire Warrington
KVS Warrington Van Hire serves Warrington, Runcorn and the surrounding areas from their base in Warrington centre. They have secure car parking that you can use during your Warrington Van Hire. Due to their central location, they are accessible easily – they’re within walking distance of all the main transportation networks. For Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens van, please just give our team a call on 01925 396 222.