Winter Driving Tips

by Harwoods Group As winter approaches in England, and colder weather takes hold, it's essential for drivers to be prepared for challenging conditions on the road. We've compiled a list of key winter driving tips to help you stay safe and confident on the road. The Harwoods Group provides essential safety advice for drivers.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions

It's recommended to examine your vehicle's tyres for the proper tread depth to ensure the business remains safe on snowy roads, helping reduce the risk of skidding. Make sure your vehicle's lights are in good working order to enhance visibility on darker winter days, in heavy fog, and other adverse weather conditions. Good lighting helps prevent accidents by improving your awareness of road users and traffic conditions. Harwoods Group advises testing brake lights and headlights before every journey. This is part of their commitment to driver safety by reducing risks on the road. Also, check the vehicle's screen wash levels. Use a high-quality winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing. Harwoods Group offers a comprehensive winter vehicle check for peace of mind before tackling the cold roads. This comprehensive service includes testing key components such as the engine, tyres, and brakes to ensure drivers are ready for the road.

Safe Winter Driving Techniques

Driving on snowy or icy roads requires adopting recommended techniques to remain in control. Allow more time for stopping and avoid sharp turns to maintain control and prevent skidding. A slow and steady speed when using the gas pedal prevents wheel spin, and a clear windscreen helps in spotting hazards. Harwoods Group's winter driving tips include thorough vehicle maintenance, like de-icing windows and checking mirrors, before starting any journey. Despite thorough preparation, emergencies can still occur, so having essential emergency supplies is advised to keep drivers safe. Harwoods team stresses having these essentials for improved winter safety, ensuring every driver is prepared.

1. Check your car before driving

Harwoods Group ensures your business is equipped for the winter months with top-notch vehicle checks. One of the worst things that can happen to a driver in bad weather is becoming stranded miles from home due to a fault. Before the winter season officially begins, check tyre pressure and learn about maintaining it, as it can deflate quicker in cold weather. Monitoring this regularly helps prevent breakdowns. Also, keep an eye on your car battery. Winter is peak time for car battery replacements, as cold temperatures stress them. Book with your local Harwoods dealership in Sussex for a winter check.

2. Invest in snow socks to enhance tyre performance.

No, these aren’t for your feet, they’re for your tyres! Snow socks are a great, much easier to install alternative to clunky chains and winter tyres. They provide traction on snow and ice, making driving in the snow safer and easier. They're quick and simple to install, providing a new way to be ready when extreme weather hits. Trust them for improving driving performance in snow and icy conditions.

The Importance of Winter Tyres and Equipment

Winter tyres play a critical role in providing traction on icy roads, essential for maintaining control. Snow socks from Harwoods can be an easy-to-use alternative that enhances grip when unexpected snow arrives, especially for new drivers. They're easy to store and faster to put on than traditional chains, which many drivers find helps when splashing through wet and icy conditions. This can improve vehicle performance during unexpected snowfalls. Harwoods Limited is committed to offering new driving solutions, stressing that the right gear complements developed driving skills to reduce risk on the road. Consult with Harwoods Group to find the best solution for your driving needs and conditions, ensuring you're well-prepared.

3. Start with fresh windshield wipers

You can do this by checking your heating and cooling system and using fresh windshield wipers, which can easily get damaged with ice and snow. You can do this by checking your heating and cooling system before winter hits and investing in fresh windshield wipers as they can easily become destroyed with ice and snow.

4. Give yourself enough time between destinations

Try incorporating more buffer time to manage unexpected delays, helping you drive safely. A lot of accidents occur because drivers rush, making it vital to plan for harsh conditions. When you add snow, ice or any kind of bad weather into the mix, this becomes even more dangerous. At the beginning of your day, make sure your car has enough time to warm up. Always make sure to give yourself enough time between destinations to adjust for traffic conditions. Being patient can improve safety during winter travel. Planning your route carefully can help you avoid unnecessary risks associated with winter travel. New drivers are especially encouraged to seek guidance due to the inexperienced handling of winter roads. If this means adding an extra 15 minutes to your commute, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Improve Your Winter Driving Skills

Confident winter driving begins with adapting your driving habits to the weather conditions. Practice keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow increased stopping distance, especially in wet or icy lanes. If your car skids on icy or wet roads, gently steer into the skid to regain control. Harwoods emphasizes that vehicles like Audi or Land Rover offer superior handling in adverse conditions, allowing for safer travel. These brands are known for their exceptional performance, even in tricky weather conditions. Minimising distractions is crucial to maintaining focus. Harwoods Group's advice is to keep gadgets off to stay alert and safe.

5. Stock your car with essentials

In the event of an emergency, having the essentials ensures drivers remain safe from breakdowns. In the event of an emergency, you should always have essentials in the car to make sure you're kept safe from potential breakdowns. It's also wise to pack water and snacks to stay hydrated and energised in case of delays. This can include high visibility items such as reflectors, extra warm clothing even if you don’t think you’ll need them, an ice scraper and tools to help you jumpstart a dead battery.

Harwoods Winter Equipment and Vehicle Care

Winter tyres are crucial for added control and stability, whether you're driving an Aston Martin or a Volvo. Harwoods ensures your tyres are winter-ready to reduce the risk of skidding. Harwoods is dedicated to preparing each vehicle's engine, lights, and tyres for winter, ensuring drivers feel secure. Our management teams prioritises safety by offering solutions tailored to drivers' specific needs with the best-information available. Our experts offer personalised advice to ensure every driver enjoys a comfortable and safe winter driving experience. Trust Harwoods for quality vehicle care.