Winter driving tips for staying safe on the roads

We’re sure you’ve noticed that the weather has taken a turn; it's cold, dark by 4pm, and the classic “did you know we’re meant to get snow next week?” chat has officially become everyone’s favourite bit of small talk. Whether the forecast delivers or not is another story entirely, but one thing’s certain: it’s getting colder, and as soon as that rain turns to frost or ice, driving becomes a whole lot more challenging.

So, whether you’re heading out in your own car or behind the wheel of one of our daily hire and flexi-hire vehicles, a bit of preparation can make a huge difference to how safe and confident you feel on the roads during winter.

Give your tyres the attention they need

Tyres are your first line of defence in winter. As the roads get wetter, colder and potentially icy, the grip they provide becomes absolutely essential. Take the time to check that you have enough tread and that the pressure is where it should be. Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop naturally, so even if everything was fine a few weeks ago, it may not be now.

If you are hiring a vehicle from us, you can set off with complete confidence. Every car and van leaves our forecourt with the correct tread depth and all the safety checks already taken care of, so you are prepared for whatever the winter roads throw at you.

If you want extra peace of mind, switching to winter or all-season tyres can offer a noticeable improvement in how your vehicle handles in low temperatures. They are designed to stay flexible in the cold, giving you more traction and a shorter stopping distance when it matters most.

Make your visibility a priority

Clear visibility is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents, yet it's something many drivers rush through on winter mornings. Allow yourself that extra 10 minutes to properly de-ice your windscreen, windows, mirrors and even the roof. Snow sliding down onto your windscreen mid-journey is an unpleasant surprise that you do not want to experience.

Your lights matter just as much. Winter brings longer periods of darkness and sudden drops in visibility when the weather turns. Make sure all lights are working, wipe them clean if needed and use your dipped headlights whenever visibility is reduced so you don't dazzle anyone else.

Look after your engine and fluids

Cold weather is tough on engines. Keeping a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in your system will prevent it from freezing, which can save you from a breakdown on a frosty morning. Screenwash also needs upgrading in winter. A winter-grade formula helps keep the windscreen clear of salt, grit and general road grime that builds up faster at this time of year.

Fans, heaters and demisters work harder in winter too, so giving everything a quick check before a long journey is never wasted time.

Adapt your driving to the road conditions

Winter driving is all about being smooth and steady. On icy roads, harsh acceleration or braking can cause you to lose control much more easily. Pull away gently and, if the road looks particularly slippery, setting off in second gear can help reduce wheel spin.

When slowing down, start easing off the accelerator earlier than usual. Letting your vehicle naturally lose speed before you brake gives you far greater stability. On wet roads, increase the gap between you and the car in front to four seconds, or more if you think the situation calls for it. Stopping distances can double in heavy rain, and the spray from large vehicles can temporarily block your view.

If you hit standing water and begin to aquaplane, stay calm and let the car slow itself down. Steering sharply or braking hard can make the situation far worse. A gentle, controlled response is the safest approach.

Prepare yourself before the journey begins

A few minutes of preparation can prevent bigger problems later. Make sure you have enough fuel, especially if the weather is poor or traffic is heavy. Wear footwear with a good grip so your feet do not slip on the pedals. Planning your route in advance can help you avoid flooded roads, steep hills or other problem areas that become more troublesome in winter. If conditions look genuinely unsafe, it is always better to delay your journey until things improve.

Carry essentials that can help

You do not need an entire emergency kit, but a few items can make winter travel much easier. A scraper, de-icer, a torch, warm clothing, suitable footwear and a set of jump leads are all worth keeping in your vehicle. It is also a good idea to take a phone charger that connects directly to your car. The last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic, miles from home, and your phone battery dies before you can check weather updates or changing road conditions. Cold weather drains batteries faster than you might expect, so keeping your phone topped up is a simple but important safety step.

If you are hiring a vehicle, you want to feel confident that it is ready for the season. At Intack Self Drive, every vehicle is maintained to the highest standard and checked thoroughly before it leaves our depot, giving you reassurance that it will handle winter conditions safely. Whether you need a small car for short journeys, a van for work or something larger for family travel, our team can help you choose the right option for your needs.

You can browse our full range of daily hire and flexi-hire vehicles on our website, or if you would like advice, give our friendly team a call on 01254 57811. We are always here to help you stay safe on the road, whatever the weather brings!