WINTER snowy weather conditions can challenge even the most confident driver.
There are specific skills for manual and automatic cars, and here we’ll be focusing on the latter.
Here’s how to make life behind the wheel of an automatic less stressful when the going gets tough[/caption]
Bracing the cold
As Britain enters the colder months, it will pay to know how to tackle the ice and snow when you’re out driving.
There are a number of methods to get the best out of your automatic vehicle, particularly when the weathers not on your side.
Many automatics have a winter driving mode which sets you off in second gear and minimises the chance of wheelspin.
More expensive vehicles could also have a “snow mode” for the cold season, softening power delivery to the wheels to ensure a safe and smooth drive.
Yet most automatics have neither of these – and without gears to help you grind through thick snow, making driving an automatic in the winter quite be daunting.
Where there’s a wheel there’s a way
Unfortunately we can’t control the weather, but we can find out the best way to approach winter driving.
There are some ways to take advantage of your automatic’s ease of use, without having to overthink gear changes you can let your car do all the work.
Going easy on the controls from the steering wheel to the brake pedal will also set you in good stead.
Avoiding slamming on the brakes is always sensible, but particularly in winter when there’s less grip.
And always, always corner slowly and carefully, leaving double your usual distance from the car ahead to increase your braking distance.
Ten times rule
Autotrader advises drivers to remember the Ten Times rule and drive more cautiously in cold weather.
The rule gets its name from the fact that ice can increase stopping distances by up to ten times.
This means it will take far longer to bring your motor to come to a halt than it would in less wintry conditions at the same speed.
According to the RAC, the average stopping distance for a family car on a dry road at 30mph is 75 feet, while at 70mph it’s 315 feet.
By the Ten Times rule, this could increase to 750 feet and 3150 feet respectively.
That means it could take up to half a mile for your car to come to a stop from 70mph.
What’s the difference?
In truth, neither an automatic nor a manual is any safer to drive in the snow.
It’s about the driver – and their ability to read the road surface and act accordingly.
The best advice applies to both automatic and manual cars, such as cornering carefully and avoiding heavy brake usage where possible.
UK roads rarely become actively snow ridden, but 2024 looks to be different.
Insurance cover
We’ve written about this crucial question.
The answer is yes, your car insurance will still be valid if you take it out in the snow — but be warned.
If your insurers believe you have negligently put your car in harm’s way then any claim could be questioned.
Poor driving can still result in rejected claims – and bad weather is no excuse.
Forbes Advisor consumer affairs expert Kevin Pratt told us: “Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks.
“If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced.”
Driving when there is a weather warning in place will not automatically invalidate your cover providing drivers follow precautions.
A statement from the AA said: “Yes, you can drive during any weather warning, be it red, amber or yellow.
“But the aim is to make you aware of the risks and their likelihood so that you can plan ahead.
“Your insurance provider won’t invalidate your policy just because you had to drive in heavy snow or strong winds.
“If your car is taxed, has a valid MOT and is insured, you’re legal for being on the road.”
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone’s driveway?
Top tips
Here are four ways to make sure you’re not breaking the law behind the wheel.
Plus five essentials to pack before braving driving in dangerous weather.
Here are five tips on how to exercise caution when driving on icey roads, as well as how to ensure your car is equipped to manage the snowy weather conditions:
- Check your air pressure and tread depth
- De-ice your car
- Increase your stopping distance
- Reduce your speed
- Stick to local/familiar roads where you can
Other essential tips for drivers include, carrying a winter kit in your boot.
Pack your winter kit with with essentials like a tow bar, jumper, and torch in the unfortunate event that you might need it.
It is also worth considering fitting winter tyres.
Winter tyres have deeper treads and are better equipped to handle snow and ice.
