How to stay safe on the roads this Winter

As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, it’s vital to prepare for winter driving conditions across the UK. Here are some key driving tips in winter from us to help keep yourself and your vehicle safe on the road.

Essential Checks for Safer Winter Driving

Winter driving can bring a number of challenges, from icy roads and reduced visibility to freezing temperatures and unexpected delays. Preparing your vehicle and planning ahead can help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel. Before setting off this winter, here are some simple checks and driving tips to keep in mind.

1. Prepare Before Your Travel

Wear suitable footwear: Choose comfortable, dry shoes that provide good grip on the pedals.
Check the weather and road conditions: Plan your route before setting off and avoid unnecessary journeys in snow or ice.
Inspect your vehicle: Check tyre tread and pressure, lights, windscreen wipers, battery condition and screenwash levels.
Clear your visibility: Remove all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors and lights before driving.
Keep your fuel topped up: Aim to have at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delays.
Plan ahead if driving an electric vehicle: Cold weather can reduce battery range, so check your charge level and plan charging stops before longer journeys.

2. Adapt Your Driving to Winter Conditions

Reduce your speed: Allow extra time to stop, particularly on icy or snow-covered roads, where stopping distances can increase significantly.
Leave more space: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead to give yourself more time to react.
Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration, harsh braking and sharp steering movements.
Use your headlights: Switch on dipped headlights when visibility is poor and keep your windscreen clear and demisted.
Know how to respond to a skid: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the vehicle to travel.

3. Check Your Tyres and Traction

Check tyre condition: Make sure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are inflated to the recommended pressure.
Consider seasonal tyres: Winter or all-season tyres can offer improved grip in colder conditions.
Use your vehicle's driving modes: Where available, select appropriate driving modes and use traction control features to help maintain stability on slippery surfaces.

Visibility

During the dark and grey Winter months, it is important that you can see clearly when you set off and that other road users can see you.

You should ensure that your wiper blades are in good working order and that your screen-wash is topped up as it is really common for windscreens to get very dirty. Before you set off on your journey, your vehicle should be de-iced completely and all windows are free from ice, snow, dirt or condensation. In instances where there is snow on your vehicle, this should be cleared completely including the headlights.

It can often be difficult to see other road users during Winter, so the electrics on our vehicles become even more important, particularly the lights. Make sure your lights are all working and that they are kept clean - it’s also worth checking your number plates too ensuring that they are visible. Nobody wants to receive an unnecessary fine!

If visibility is reduced, you must use your headlights and if visibility is particularly poor, fog lights. But remember to turn these off again when visibility improves as they could dazzle other driver or obscure your brake lights.

Make the Most of Your Vehicle's Winter Features

Modern vehicles come with a range of features designed to make winter driving more comfortable, convenient and safer. Depending on the model and specification, here are some features to look out for across the brands available at Gates.

Ford: Ford's Quickclear heated windscreen is a standout feature, helping to clear frost and ice quickly without needing to scrape the glass. Heated seats and steering wheels are also available on selected models.
BYD: Selected models offer remote pre-conditioning through the BYD app, allowing you to warm the cabin and help defrost the windows before setting off. Heated seats, heated steering wheels and Snow Mode are also available on certain models.
OMODA and JAECOO: Depending on the model, features such as heated seats, heated steering wheels and advanced climate control can help make colder journeys more comfortable.
Leapmotor: Selected models offer connected vehicle functions and climate control features, alongside heated seating and steering wheels as standard, on certain specifications.
Peugeot: Depending on the model, heated seats, automatic climate control and features such as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers can help make winter journeys easier.
Geely: Selected models offer features including heated seats, heated steering wheels and intelligent climate control to improve comfort in colder conditions.

Whether it's Ford's Quickclear windscreen or the convenience of remote pre-conditioning in selected electric vehicles, these features can make a real difference during the colder months. Check the specification of your chosen model with your local Gates dealership to see what's included.

Tips to Help Avoid Winter Breakdowns

Cold weather puts extra strain on your vehicle. A few simple checks can help reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Check Your Battery: Cold temperatures and increased use of heating and lights can affect battery performance. Have it checked if it's getting older or struggling to start.
Top Up Your Fluids: Check your oil, coolant and screenwash regularly. Ensure your coolant has sufficient antifreeze protection.
Inspect Your Tyres: Check tyre pressure and tread depth. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter driving, with winter or all-season tyres offering additional grip.
Check Lights and Wipers: Make sure all lights work correctly and wipers are in good condition to maintain visibility in poor weather.

Drive Confidently This Winter with Gates

Whether you drive a Ford, Peugeot, BYD, OMODA | JAECOO, Leapmotor or Geely, Gates is here to help you stay prepared for the colder months. From winter-ready vehicle features to essential checks and servicing, our teams are on hand to help keep you moving.

Contact your local Gates dealership for advice, vehicle checks or to book a service.

Stay prepared. Stay safe. Drive with Gates.

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