Tips for driving in the winter

As the nights close in and the temperature begins to drop here in the UK, winter is on it’s way and here at Liverpool Car Centre we have some tips for driving in the winter. Breakdowns and accidents happen more often in the winter when the road conditions are challenging and dangerous, so here are our top tips for staying safe on the roads this winter.

Before you set off

Before you set off you should decide if your journey is essential, especially in heavy snow or rain. If you decide to make your journey you should allow extra time so you’re not rushing and making bad decisions. You should also plan your route using major roads to ensure safety and so you don’t have to use the more dangerous back lanes. You need to de-ice your car, so if you’re making the journey in the morning be sure to get up five or ten minutes earlier to safely prepare your car for your journey ahead. 

Driving on the roads

If you drive a manual car, be sure to pull off in second gear. Ease your foot off the clutch gently and press on the accelerator to avoid wheel spinning and skidding around. When braking be sure to be gentle and smooth so you remain in control at all times, especially when you’re driving downhill where you should use a low gear and leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. When driving uphill, be sure to leave enough room so you don’t have to stop part way up and try to remain in the same gear throughout the duration.

If you get stuck

If you get stuck in snow or ice, you should straighten the steering and clear the snow from your wheels, then put some sort of material like an old rug or sheet in front of the driving wheels to give you some grip.

Clear your windows

Be sure your windscreen and other windows clear of dirt and snow, or you could be fined by the police. You should also clear snow from your roof as it can fall onto the windscreen or at high speeds it can fly off and hit other drivers, causing danger to surrounding locations. Air con demists the screen faster and reduces condensation and be sure you replace worn wiper blades to ensure your car is in the best condition for the winter.

If you think you’d like a used car in Liverpool this winter to replace your current vehicle then you should contact a member of the team here at Liverpool Car Centre and we can help find the used car that suits you.