Travelling Safely During Winter

Winter is a difficult time of year to get from one place to another. The roads are slick with ice and rainwater, the daylight hours are fewer, and your car is more likely to break down, thanks to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

If you’ve got a long journey upcoming, then you might take a few precautions to ensure that you’re adequately prepared for the winter weather. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Know the Route

You don’t want to rely on your satellite navigation entirely. If you have at least a rough idea of the route, then you’ll know in advance of what’s going on when the automated system diverts you. In particular, you might pay attention to country roads, which tend to be more vulnerable to snow and ice.

Check your Brakes

Braking distance matters a great deal during winter. For this reason, it’s worth ensuring that you’re driving a car with high-quality brakes, and ideally automated braking assistance. If your brakes are not up to scratch, then the distance it takes you to come to a full stop might be a lot longer than you suspect, especially in icy conditions. Get your brakes checked prior to a long journey.

Inflate your Tyres

For partly the same reason, you should also make a point of checking that your tyres are fully inflated. This will ensure that the maximum surface area is pressed against the road as you drive, which will enhance grip and avoid unwanted slipping and sliding.

Safety Features

Airbags and winter tyres are both highly advisable. The latter will ensure that you’re able to cope with snowy conditions. You might go a step further, and invest in snow-chains, too. These will help you to get through extreme winter weather, and help you avoid getting stranded – while it’s rare that these conditions arise in the UK, it’s worth being prepared for any eventuality.

If you feel that your existing car isn’t up to a particular journey, then you always have the option of a personal lease. That way, you’ll get the security that comes with a modern replacement.

Supplies

There may come a point where, despite all of your best efforts, your vehicle breaks down, and you end up stranded on the roadside, waiting for assistance. In this situation, you’ll want a few basic supplies to hand, like blankets and first-aid kits. While you might hope that you never have to use these items, it’s far better to have them than to not.