1. LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR
The roads may appear clear, but be aware black ice can be anywhere, especially near the sides of the road and at the junctions. When accelerating or slowing down do so with caution, a sudden surge of power can cause your wheels to spin, and at the same time, hard braking can cause the vehicle to slide. During the winter months in the `U.K , always give yourself extra time to stop when approaching a traffic signal or junction.
2. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES
Snow and Ice covered roads make it difficult to slow down, so you should keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you. In good weather, allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads, if you need car car recovery contact our team day or night we're here to help in any roadside emergency situation.
3. ASCEND HILLS THE CORRECT WAY
When reaching a hill, start your ascent with sufficient power and keep your foot off the accelerator. Don’t stop your climb, or you’ll find it difficult to maintain momentum. Once you reach the top of the hill, reduce your speed and allow your car to make its way down the other side of the hill slowly. Keep in mind that any sudden movement of the wheels on the icy roads can cause them to spin.
4. MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR BRAKES
Most modern cars come equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS), which can reduce the number and severity of accidents. If your car begins to skid and is equipped with ABS, press hard on the brake pedal and keep your foot firmly in place as you attempt to steer clear of obstacles. For vehicles without ABS, keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to firmly press the brake.
5. ONLY STOP IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
Traffic lights and stop signs require you to come to a full stop, as does heavy traffic. In all other situations, however, avoid stopping if possible. Once you stop, it may be difficult to get moving again, especially if the snow is deep and you don’t have winter tyres or chains.
GET YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR THIS WINTER
These tips for driving in Icy conditions this winter don’t do you much good if your car isn’t ready for the winter season. If icy roads are common in your area, winter tyres or snow chains are a good investment. Your car should be in top working order before you head out on the road this winter. If you require our 24hr Roadside Assistance call us on 01524 487 203