How to drive in the snow

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How to drive in the snow

When the world outside the window looks like a Christmas card scene, it makes most sense to stay indoors, or perhaps dust off the sledge and seek a hill within walking distance. But sometimes a journey is urgent or a heavy snowfall happens while you are out and you need to return to safety.

Much of what you can do to stay safe involves planning ahead. So let’s look at some tips and debunk a few myths.

Weather forecasts and planning

Check the radio, television or weather app on your smartphone. This may seem obvious but driving ahead of a bad weather front or delaying a trip until the roads have been cleared could mean you won’t be caught out at all. And don’t forget to keep your fuel level above half full in case you become stranded.

Tips for driving

Before you set off, clear all the snow from your vehicle. Ensure there is none on the roof which could hit another car or slide and obscure your view.
Accelerate very gently. Don’t rev hard and up-change gears early. If the wheels spin, try pulling away in second or third gear.
Leave an enormous gap between you and the vehicle in front. You might need all that space to stop.
Brake extremely gently.
Drive slowly. You will stand a better chance of being able to stop and go round corners. And if the worst should happen and you do have an impact, damage will be kept to a minimum.
Don’t stop. It is easier to keep rolling than to pull away from a standstill, especially when going up a hill.
If your car or SUV has a snow setting, use it. This will limit the power to the wheels and can help if one of the wheels starts to spin.
Are electric vehicles any good in the snow? You can read our specific guide here.

Are 4x4's good in the snow?

Your car or SUV has a 4x4 badge on the boot so it’ll be fine, right? Wrong. You might have some extra traction to pull away but if you are driving on summer tyres or tyres with little tread left, you won’t be materially better off. And when it comes to stopping, your 4x4 is as good (or bad) as any front- or rear-wheel-drive car on similar tyres. Also remember that just because your car looks like a capable 4x4, many models are front-wheel-drive only.

Your choice of car will still have a bearing on its ability in the snow. Large SUVs do look immensely capable but a smaller, lighter car is less likely to sink down into the snow. Rear-wheel-drive cars also tend to be less able in the snow than front-wheel-drive cars.

Using winter tyres

The biggest difference you can make to your vehicle’s ability to drive in cold, snowy and icy conditions is to fit winter tyres. Their softer rubber compounds mean they offer improved performance below 7 degrees C and their chunkier tread patterns help in snowy and wet conditions.

Using mud/snow tyres

These are more extreme versions of winter tyres and their coarse treads and softer rubber improve grip enormously. Even so, it is important not to go looking for trouble as if you get stuck, this will just put further strain on the emergency services.

Snow socks for your vehicle's tyres

These nylon net bags can be put over normal tyres to improve grip in fresh snow. They aren’t for long distances but as a get-you-home tool, they are extremely effective and don’t take up much space in the boot. Snow socks should be fitted to the driving wheels on your car when the road is covered in snow. Once out of the snow and back on Tarmac, it is important to remove them or they will start to shred. You will need to buy the correct size for your car’s tyres.

Snow chains

Snow chains can offer improved capability in snow and will often be chosen for serious winter off-roading or more extreme climates. There are many rubber and plastic types on the market too, so these offer an alternative to the full metal chains.

Using a shovel

It’s a basic item but a shovel can be used to dig a car out of snow, clear a forward path or even carry grit from a nearby bunker to spread across the road.

Vehicle safety kit

Driving in wintry conditions isn’t just about the car; it is important to look after the driver and passengers too. Over the winter season, we recommend you add the following items to your car in case you are stranded.

Ice scraper
Thick, waterproof coat and warm, grippy boots for everyone in the car
Blanket(s)
Food and drink, including a flask with something warm in
Medication if this is critical for anyone travelling in the car
Working mobile phone (with car charger)
Hi-vis jacket
Torch (and spare batteries)
Snow socks (for the car, that is!)
Shovel
Jump leads
Tow rope
Road atlas

*Image credit: DVSA Crown Copyright

About the Author

Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.

Andrew Wright @theMotorWriter