🚗 Driving in Snow: Essential Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Icy Roads

When winter weather hits, even familiar roads can quickly become hazardous. Snow, ice and reduced visibility demand a different driving mindset — one that prioritises preparation, patience and the right kit.

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out on a winter adventure or simply running errands locally, these essential winter driving tips will help keep you safe when conditions turn cold.

 

🧑🔧 1. Prepare Your Vehicle in Advance of Wintry Weather

Before winter weather arrives, taking a few simple preventative steps can significantly reduce breakdown risk, improve safety, and ensure you’re ready to travel confidently in snow and freezing conditions.

• Check tyre tread and pressure. Worn tyres dramatically reduce grip on icy roads.
• Check your cars battery as cold weather can quickly drain an old or inefficient one.
• Check your cooling system. A 50-50 mixture of antifreeze to water is needed in the winter.
• Ensure your fuel tank is adequately full. If you should get stranded in the snow, then your car’s engine is your only means of keeping the interior warm
• Have available: Window de-icer, ice scraper, tow rope, warning triangle, and jump leads.
• Carry an emergency kit including warm clothing, gloves, torch, blanket, phone charger, food rations and water.

A well-prepared vehicle — combined with essential emergency supplies and warm clothing — gives you peace of mind and helps keep you safe and comfortable should conditions suddenly deteriorate.

🧭 2. Plan Your Journey Carefully

If snow is forecast:

• Is your journey necessary? Think about working from home or taking the day off as holiday.
• Check weather and road conditions before travelling.
• Allow extra time and avoid rushing.
• Stick to main routes which are more likely to be gritted.
• Tell someone your route and expected arrival time if travelling long distances.

Sometimes the safest option is postponing non-essential travel altogether.

❄️ 3. Before You Set Off

A few minutes of preparation can prevent a lot of trouble later.

Before driving in snow, always:

• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights and the roof — flying snow can obscure vision for you and other drivers.
• Top up screen wash with winter-grade fluid to prevent freezing.
• Ensure lights are clean and working for low-visibility conditions.
• Pack a shovel for digging out snow from around tyres should the need arise
• Wellies or stout waterproof shoes/boots should also be in your boot to protect your feet if leaving the car in an emergency

If you’re delayed or stranded, staying warm can be just as important as staying mobile.

🧤 4. Dress for the Conditions – Even Inside the Car

It’s tempting to rely purely on the car heater — but if you break down or get stuck, temperatures can drop quickly.

Wearing thermal base layers, insulated gloves and a warm hat ensure you retain body heat if you need to leave the vehicle or wait for assistance. Lightweight base layers won’t restrict movement and are easy to layer under everyday clothing.

At Sub Zero, our UK-made thermal layers are designed to regulate temperature and manage moisture, keeping you warm without overheating — ideal for winter travel and roadside emergencies.

🐢 5. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

Snow and ice dramatically reduce braking performance and steering response.

When driving in snowy conditions:

• Reduce speed well below normal limits.
• Increase your following distance to at least 6–10 seconds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or steering.
• Use higher gears when pulling away to reduce wheel spin in manual vehicles.

Smooth, gentle inputs help maintain traction and control.

🛑 6. Brake Early and Gently

Anticipation is key on slippery roads.

Start braking much earlier than usual and apply pressure gradually. If your car has ABS, maintain steady pressure and let the system work. If not, gently pump the brakes to avoid locking the wheels.

Approaching junctions, roundabouts and downhill sections requires extra caution — these areas often freeze first.

👀 7. Watch for Black Ice

Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely dangerous. It commonly forms:

• On bridges and overpasses
• In shaded areas
• Early morning or after sunset
• After thawing and refreezing

If steering feels light or the car begins to drift, ease off pedals and steer smoothly — avoid harsh corrections.

🧤 8. Keep Hands Warm for Better Control

Cold hands reduce grip strength and reaction speed — not ideal for steering or operating controls.

Wearing thin, insulated gloves allows dexterity while keeping hands warm, especially if your vehicle takes time to heat up or you need to clear snow and ice before driving. Be careful wearing them whilst driving though. Gloves without a silicon palm grip can slip on the steering wheel.

🚗 9. Hill Driving and Parking

Hills and parking present extra challenges in snowy and icy conditions, so careful planning and smart positioning can prevent loss of traction and make your next move safer and easier.

• Uphill: Ensure you leave enough space between yourself and the car in front so you can make it up the hill without having to brake.
• Downhill: Select a high gear to prevent the use of breaks.
• Parking: Always park your car in the direction you intend to drive off from.
• Do not park uphill. You’re just making it harder for yourself to get going again.
• Switch off window wipers: Ensure they are in the off position when parking your car so they do not freeze to the middle of your window screen.

By thinking ahead when parking and using controlled techniques on slopes, you’ll reduce unnecessary risk, protect your vehicle, and avoid getting stuck when it’s time to move again.

🧊 10. If You Get Stuck in Snow

If your vehicle becomes stuck:

• Clear snow from around the tyres and exhaust.
• Use gentle rocking motion to regain traction.
• Avoid excessive wheel spin.
• Stay visible and keep warm if waiting for help.

Always ensure the exhaust pipe remains clear to prevent dangerous fumes building up inside the vehicle.

✅ Drive Smart, Stay Warm, Stay Safe

Winter driving doesn’t need to be stressful — preparation, patience and the right clothing make all the difference.

From thermal base layers and insulated gloves to warm hats and neck protection, Sub Zero’s cold-weather essentials are designed to keep you comfortable wherever winter takes you — on the road or beyond.

Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay Sub Zero.