The document provides tips and advice for preparing your vehicle and driving safely during winter conditions. It recommends giving your vehicle a complete check-up, particularly inspecting tires, wipers, fluids and the electrical system. Additionally, it suggests adjusting your driving style for different winter weather hazards like rain, wind, fog and snow/ice. Some key tips include slowing down in the rain, not braking or steering suddenly on wet roads, and turning into the direction of a skid on icy roads rather than braking. Being prepared, planning ahead and driving cautiously for low visibility are also emphasized.

1. The Vehicle
To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a
complete check-up:
– Electrical system (battery, ignition and lights)
– Brakes
– Tyres
– Exhaust
– Wipers
– Fluids, radiator/antifreeze/heating/cooling system
It is particularly important to check your tyres are in good
order, and have plenty of tread depth.
The legal limit is 1.6mm, but you should consider replacing
your tyres before they reach this.
Recent research has shown that effective well maintained
tyres can have a major effect on stopping distances on
wet and slippery roads.
Weekly checks, or when refuelling, are recommended.
Dirty windows and mirrors can make it hard to see as the
low winter sun hits. Make sure you keep them clean and
free of ice and snow in colder weather.
And it goes without saying that your windows are clear
and de-misted before you set off. Lights can get filthy
with all the spray in winter.
Keep them clean and check the bulbs regularly so you’ll be
prepared for lower visibility and shorter days.
Make sure your vehicle has been serviced properly, that
way it won’t let you down even if the weather does.
Check your oil and water regularly, and keep your
windscreen washer topped up with the correct
concentration of cleaner fluid.
Are your wiper blades in good condition or do they tend to
leave streaks? If so, get them replaced.
As the leaves fall and the nights close in, once again it’s time for us to make sure we’re ready to tackle all
that the winter roads throw at us. Winter weather can be harsh and driving conditions can quickly
change with poor visibility plus snow and ice on the roads –so be prepared and take extra care when
planning your journey.
We’ve put together some simple hints and tips for you to consider this winter which may help you get
through the season comfortably and without any mishaps.
Winter Driving 2017
A drivers guide from Alphabet

2. The Driver
When the clocks go back, many people will be travelling
home in the dark for the first time in many months.
Before starting the engine, it is a good idea to sit in your
car for a few moments to allow your eyes to become
accustomed to the dark. Remember you’re not the only
one in this position, pedestrians may not be wearing
proper reflective clothing, so pay extra attention if you’re
driving near schools or in rural areas.
The sun sits lower in the sky in wintertime, and this can
result in glare, so don’t put away your sunglasses yet!
Remember also that if the sun is behind you, it’s in the
eyes of those drivers coming toward you.
Winter weather means we should adjust our driving style
to deal with different challenges to the rest of the year:
1. Driving in the rain
When the road is wet, it can
take up to twice as long to stop,
therefore it makes sense to slow
down when it’s raining.
If your vehicle loses its grip, or “aquaplanes”, on surface
water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Do
not brake or steer suddenly because you have no control
of the steering or brakes.
2. Driving in windy weather
In very windy weather we advise
you to take extra care on the
roads and plan your journeys by
checking the latest weather
conditions.
High-sided vehicles are particularly affected by windy
weather but strong gusts can blow a vehicle, cyclist,
motorcyclist, or horse rider off course. This can happen on
open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or
when passing bridges or high-sided vehicles.
3. Floods
If you can avoid it, it is advisable
not to drive through lying surface
water as you might flood your
engine. The deepest water is
usually nearest the kerb.
If you do have to drive through flooded roads, use first
gear. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the
engine. Keep your revs high and depress your clutch when
you need to.
Test your brakes after passing through the water. If they
work then you can drive on at your usual speed providing
it’s safe to do so.
4. Fog
Use dipped headlights so other
drivers can see you. If it is really
foggy (less than 100m visibility)
and you can’t see much, switch
your fog lights on. Switch them off once conditions have
improved so they don’t dazzle drivers behind you.
Fog is often patchy so try not to speed up as visibility
improves. You could suddenly find yourself back in thick
fog further up the road.
5.Driving through ice and snow
Check for snow on the roof of
the vehicle before you drive off.
Snow can slip down over your
windscreen and obscure your view.
If your tyres are making virtually no noise this could be a
sign you’re driving on ice.
If your vehicle skids depress the clutch and turn the
steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the
vehicle straightens steer along the road. Don’t brake –it
will just lock up your wheels and you’ll skid further.

3. Alphabet (GB) Limited, Alphabet House, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Tel: 0370 50 50 100.
Registered office address: Alphabet House, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Registered in England and Wales 03282075.
Alphabet (GB) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general information purposes only and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of
publication (October 2017). Neither Alphabet nor the author can be held responsible for any actions or consequences arising from acting on, or
refraining from taking any action, as a result of reading this.
ALMAR 037.1
The Journey
During bad weather let people know where you are going,
your route of travel, and when you expect to arrive. Plan
your route well in advance.
Never drive if fatigued
or under the influence of
alcohol.
Allow for extra travelling time or even consider delaying a
trip if the weather is inclement. Is an alternative method
of travel possible? Listen to weather forecasts, and if
weather and visibility are hazardous, ask yourself ‘is this
trip really necessary?’
Early onset of darkness can affect people in different
ways. You may find yourself becoming tired more quickly,
so make sure you’re well-rested before starting your
journey. Take regular breaks on long trips and if
appropriate, arrange to stay overnight in a hotel.
An often overlooked issue of driving in the autumn and
winter is the increased chance of coming across nocturnal
animals on the road.
Hitting even relatively small animals
such as foxes and badgers can cause
surprising amounts of damage, but
colliding with a large animal such as
a deer can be catastrophic.
Bear in mind therefore that animals can be present in
practically all environments, but be particularly cautious if
there is woodland on either side of the road.
If you do see a deer cross in front of
you, slow down and be prepared to
stop as they rarely travel alone and it
is highly likely that more will emerge.
Driving in winter weather poses many challenges, so most
of all it pays to be prepared for the worst and hope for the
best!
Please contact Alphabet on 0370 50 50 100 or visit www.alphabet.co.uk