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Safety and breakdowns , Maintenance and tyres , On the road · Updated 2026-10-18

Winter driving tips for snow, ice and cold

Winter driving is mostly about one thing: grip is limited, so everything you do should be smoother and slower than in summer. Good preparation of the car helps, but the biggest difference comes from the driver. These tips are general; local rules about winter equipment differ by country, so check with the competent authority before you travel.

Prepare before you go

If you have not yet readied the car, start with our winter preparation guide. In short: suitable tyres in good condition, a healthy battery, working lights and wipers, washer fluid that does not freeze, and a full enough fuel tank. Clear the whole car before you drive.

• Remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights and the number plates.
• Clear snow from the roof, because it can slide onto the windscreen when you brake or fall on the car behind.
• Do not drive through a small peephole in a frosted windscreen.

Tyres are your grip

Tyres are the only contact between the car and the road, and winter tyres are designed to stay flexible in the cold. Check the tread depth and the age of the tyres, and keep the pressure correct. Read tyre basics if you are unsure what to look for. Remember that even the best tyre cannot create grip that is not there, and on ice stopping distances are many times longer than on a dry road.

Drive smoothly

• Pull away gently. In a manual car, starting in a higher gear can reduce wheel spin.
• Brake early and lightly, and avoid sudden steering.
• Keep a much larger gap to the car in front than you would in summer.
• Reduce speed before a bend, not in the middle of it.
• Be extra careful on bridges, shaded sections and near water, where ice forms first.

If the car starts to slide

Stay calm and avoid sudden movements. If the front wheels lose grip and the car pushes straight on, ease off the accelerator and wait for grip to return before steering more. If the rear slides, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. In a car with ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and keep it pressed rather than pumping it; you may feel it vibrate, which is normal. More about this system is in ABS, ESP and driver assists. Assists help, but they cannot beat physics.

Hills and starting off

Before a hill, build a steady, moderate speed early and avoid stopping on the slope. On a downhill, use a low gear so the engine helps to slow the car, and brake gently. Leave plenty of room, because a car in front may slide back.

Visibility and fog

Falling snow, spray and short days reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights during the day when it is dull or snowing, and keep all glass and lights clean. For fog and rain, see driving in rain and fog.

Cold starts and the battery

Cold weakens batteries. If the engine is slow to turn, do not keep cranking for long; wait a little between attempts. If you need help, read how to jump-start safely. Do not warm the engine by idling for a long time: drive gently and the engine warms faster. Never run the engine in a closed garage, because exhaust gases are poisonous.

Plan for delays

Before a winter trip, check the weather and road conditions along the route. Allow extra time, keep the fuel tank at least half full, and tell someone your route. In a traffic jam on a cold night, fuel keeps you warm, so do not start with a nearly empty tank. Put warm clothes, a blanket, a torch, a charged phone, water and some food in the car. The emergency kit checklist lists useful items.

When to stay at home

Sometimes the best decision is not to drive. If conditions are bad, the trip is not urgent and you are not confident, wait or use public transport. If you get stuck, stay with the car unless help is very close, and call the emergency number. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow if you run the engine for warmth, and open a window slightly for fresh air. Our guide on what to do in a breakdown covers the steps.

What to remember

• Be smooth with steering, braking and acceleration.
• Leave a much bigger gap than in summer.
• Clear snow and ice from the whole car, including the roof.
• Good tyres matter most, but they have limits.
• Carry warm clothes, water, a torch and a charged phone.
• Postpone the trip if conditions are poor and it is not urgent.

Beginner Checklist Safety Travel Tyres Winter