10 winter driving tips every UK driver should know

British winters are unpredictable. One week it is freezing fog, the next it is standing water on the motorway. A little preparation goes a long way. Here are ten winter driving tips we give our customers every year.

1. Check your battery

Batteries hate cold weather. If yours is more than three years old and cranks slowly on a cold morning, get it tested — or you will meet a recovery driver soon.

2. Top up your screenwash

Use a proper winter mix rated to at least -15°C. Water alone will freeze in the reservoir and lines.

3. Check tyre tread and pressure

The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is a much safer figure in the wet. Pressures drop about 1 psi for every 5°C fall in temperature.

4. Keep a winter kit in the boot

Blanket, torch, high-vis, water, snacks, phone charger and a small shovel. If you get stuck, you will be grateful you have them.

5. Clear all windows and lights fully

It is illegal to drive with obscured vision. Clear every window and light before you set off — not just a peephole.

6. Leave more space

Stopping distances can be ten times longer on ice. Double the gap you would normally leave.

7. Pull away in second gear

On ice or snow, second gear reduces wheel spin and gets you moving cleanly.

8. Use dipped headlights in poor visibility

Fog lights are for fog only. Turn them off once visibility improves — they can dazzle drivers behind you.

9. Plan the route

Stick to gritted A-roads and motorways where possible. Rural B-roads are often the last to be treated.

10. Save a recovery number in your phone

If the worst happens, one call gets us to you. Save Grizzly Recovery on 07584 942391 before you set off.