BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: Vehicles struggle in the snow on the normally busy A367 between Bath and Peasedown St John on January 18, 2013 near Bath, England. Heavy snow is bringing widespread disruption to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
You don’t want to end up like this, do you? (Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Winter brings lots of fun, like playing in the snow, but also lots of dangers, like driving in the snow.

When the roads are covered in snow or ice, extra precaution must be taken by motorists, however most drivers don’t know the correct way to handle their car when faced with winter conditions.

The AA recommends clearing the windscreen fully before you leave, and using a cigarette lighter to warm a frozen lock (don’t breath on it as the condensation in your breath could freeze it further).

They also suggest giving yourself an extra 10 minutes in the morning so you have time to fully prepare your car to ensure a safe journey. We suggest that de-icing can be made easier with prep work the night before.

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Driving on snow and ice advice from The AA

Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving – stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.

Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving. Cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals.

Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

Up hill –  avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.

Down hill –  reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.

If you have to use brakes then apply them gently.

Automatic transmission – under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it’s best to select ‘Drive’ and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions it’s best to select ‘2’, which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Some autos have a ‘Winter’ mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook.

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The cold weather can also lead to the water in your car’s radiator freezing, which can cause the engine to overheat.

The AA suggests using anti-freeze, however be sure to check with your dealer or car handbook (or even a mechanic) to make sure you are buying the right type and administering correctly.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charlotte Graham/REX Shutterstock (5412004f) Car travelling on A635 in the Morning Light with the First Snow of the Year on the Pennines Snow on the Pennines, Yorkshire, Britain - 21 Nov 2015
Remember – spotting distance increases by 10 times (Picture: Charlotte Graham/REX Shutterstock)