Winter can be a difficult, dangerous, and stressful season for motorists, especially oop north!

This is particularly true for those in the Yorkshire area and during snowy periods when the roads can become slippery and visibility is poor. With this in mind, this post will show you how you can drive safely in the snow, which should help you avoid accidents and feel more confident behind the wheel this winter.

Preparing your vehicle for snowy conditions

First, you need to prepare your vehicle for snowy conditions. This means checking the tyre tread depth to make sure that you have enough tread – it is also a good idea to consider switching to winter or all-season tyres for better traction. You should also check the battery’s health and use winter-grade fluids for your vehicle. Whether it’s a used car in Sheffield or a new one, you need to prepare the vehicle before hitting the road and remove all snow from the exterior to maintain visibility.

Adjusting driving techniques for snowy roads

You should also adjust your driving techniques to suit snowy conditions. This means reducing your speed, maintaining a greater following distance, and avoiding sudden manoeuvres. Using higher gears can also be useful for preventing wheel spin and acceleration and braking should be gentle and gradual. If you find yourself in a skid, it is best to steer into the skid to regain control and try to avoid panicking.

Read more: It’s never too late to learn to ski!

Essential safety equipment to carry

There are also a few items that you should keep in your car at all times during winter in case of an accident or breaking down. This includes an ice-scraper, de-icer, and shovel that will help you tackle ice and snow that is interfering with your driving. You should also have a torch, high-vis jacket, blanket, and mobile phone charger for safety purposes. Non-perishable food and water should also be kept in the car at all times in case you find yourself stranded. Snow chains or socks can also be helpful, especially in rural or less-gritted areas where it can sometimes be hard to move.

Understanding weather warnings and planning your journey

Generally, you should avoid driving in the snow or ice if possible. It is a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions ahead of time and postpone non-essential journeys during severe weather warnings. If you are driving during snow/ice, try to stick to major roads that will have been gritted and cleared. You should also inform people of your travel plans and expected arrival time and give yourself plenty of time to arrive so that you do not have to rush.

Hopefully, this post will be useful and help you to manage driving during snowy periods in Yorkshire. This can be a dangerous time of the year, so it is vital that you know how to stay safe and drive with confidence.