What Car? guide to winter motoring - Preparation and on the road

The key to driving safely in wintry conditions is preparation. Give yourself enough time, don't rush and follow the advice below.

Before you set off

• Set your alarm clock earlier through the winter. You’ll need more time to get your car ready and more time to complete your journey safely. The last thing you want is to be rushing.

• Don’t set off until you’ve properly cleared all the windows of ice. Peering out of a letterbox-sized slot in the windscreen is dangerous and could land you with a £1000 fine.

• Proper ice-scrapers are cheap (perhaps free if you keep an eye out) and far more effective than a CD case. Keep de-icer in your car for windows and locks. Warm water can work, but often refreezes quickly and can crack windscreens.

• Learn which ventilation and air-conditioning settings you need to clear windows so you don’t have to fiddle around with controls as you’re driving.

• The roads might not be frozen close to home, but conditions can change quickly en route so take care. Keep an eye on the exterior temperature gauge if your car has one.

• Pick your route carefully. Twisty rural roads might be fun and free of traffic through summer, but they’re less likely to be salted by your council. Stick to main roads and contact local councils to ask which routes they’ll be treating.

On the road

• When it’s icy, or there’s snow on the ground, multiply stopping distances by 10. Accelerate slowly (in as high a gear as possible if your wheels can’t get any grip), and perform every manoeuvre as smoothly and as gently as possible.

• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you’re skidding. Don’t panic.

• Fog drifts and can be very patchy, so be prepared for visibility to change quickly. Slow down if you hit fog and switch on your lights and foglamps if it’s very thick. Don’t follow the taillights of the car in front, you’ll probably end up travelling too close to it – and remember to switch off your extra lights when the fog clears.

• If you get stuck in snow, rock the car gently to free it. If you get stuck, call for help and stay with your car. If you’re in a snowdrift, keep warm by wearing more layers of clothing.