How To Stay Safe In Your Car This Winter

Last Updated on: 24th February 2025, 11:17 am

The weather has been pretty cold this year so far and unlike the rest of the world, England is never ready for it. It has been so bad that it is a threat to life sometimes, so you need to make sure you keep safe at all times. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay in the safety of your own home. It means you need to think about staying safe when you are out and about. Ensuring your safety in your car during winter is crucial, as cold weather conditions can create hazardous driving situations. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in your car during winter:

Get Your Car Ready For Winter Journeys

Consider using winter tyres, which provide better traction on icy and snowy roads. Winter tyres are designed to improve how you drive your car in the cold winter weather. Winter tyres have a softer rubber compound and deeper grooves with narrower cuts built into the tyre tread. These will help get rid of water/snow, and let the rubber which flexes. It then improves traction and grip in cold weather conditions.

The cold weather can be hard on car batteries. Make sure that your battery is in good condition, and replace it if needed. Charge it up if it needs a charge and go for a smaller drive before you take a longer and much more intense trip.

Check and top up your antifreeze to prevent the engine from freezing in the colder weather. Also make sure all your vehicle’s fluids (oil, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid) are at the proper levels. Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, and roof.

Cover your car overnight when the weather gets bad. Car covers will protect your car from the snow and make it difficult or unsafe to drive. We have all seen cars driving with inches of snow on their car. But this is preventable!

Check Your Route Before You Leave To Stay Safe In Your Car

Be aware of the road conditions on your route, and think about delaying your trip if conditions are severe. You might arrive a few days later, but at least you will arrive in one piece. Keep an eye out for any upcoming traffic jams that might cause you to be late or stuck in traffic.

Also stay informed about current and upcoming weather conditions before you travel. It might look like good weather when you leave, but it can turn really quickly and cause your journey to be more difficult.

Let People Know Your Journey Route

Let someone know your travel plans, especially if you are driving in remote or challenging winter conditions. Tell someone before you leave and also write down the details. Stick to the route as much as possible during your journey. Also, make sure your phone is constantly charged to full on a winter car journey. Your friends and relatives can track you on your mobile phone. Download the Life360 app to share your location with other people.

Keeping your phone charged means you can also use it to contact emergency services if you need them. It also means you can contact emergency roadside assistance if it is needed.

Drive Carefully To Stay Safe In Your Car

Slow down your speed in adverse weather conditions to make sure that you keep control of your car. When you brake in the colder weather, your car can easily slip and slide on a wet or snow-filled road. You also need to leave extra space between your car and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances. Try to avoid any sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. These can lead to you losing control on the slippery roads this winter.

Put A Winter Emergency Kit In The Car

Keep a winter emergency kit in your car. It is simple to make one up in a plastic box or wicker basket. You need to gather some of these things and place them in the box in case of break down or being stuck in a long traffic jam.

• A blanket or two in case you break down and it gets too cold.
• extra clothes in case it gets too cold and you can layer up, or if you get wet
• non-perishable snacks like energy bars, crisps, your kid’s favourite snacks, and Pot noodles if you can boil water
• a torch or two in case you break down throughout the night
• a first aid kit, that is filled with everything you need in an emergency
• bottles of water and other drinks, maybe some energy drinks in case you start getting tired during your trip
• spare power banks so you can charge your phones up
• a small spade to help if your car gets stuck somewhere
• Ice scraper to scrape ice off your car
• a small bag of sand or cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck

Take Advice From Other People

Our last piece of advice about how to stay safe in your car this winter is to listen to others. Some people have learned from experience and if they offer you advice, take it. They are sharing their life experience with you to keep you safe.

Happy driving!