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Help, Safety & Advice
- Road safety
- Motoring advice
- Driving in Europe
- Driving in Europe: the law
- Driving in Europe: practicalities
- Driving in Europe: road safety
- How to load your car
- Combating fatigue
- Driving in Europe: driving abroad in winter
- Driving in Europe: before you set off
- Take the scenic route
- Which country is safest?
- Taking a caravan on holiday
- Taking children on holiday
- Driving at night
- If the worst happens
- Fast driving
- Dealing with jams
- Summer Drivetime Magazine
- Winter Drivetime Magazine
Route Planner
Driving in Europe: driving abroad in winter
Winter driving can be hard on your car, so make sure it is fully prepared before you set off. As well as all the usual checks pay special attention to the battery. Starting your engine in cold weather requires a fully charged battery, so if the one in your car is weak, recharge or replace it before you leave.
Also, make sure you check, and if necessary replace, the anti-freeze in the radiator, and fill up on winter windscreen washer fluid.
Winter tyres and chains
It is also advisable to put on winter tyres, indeed in some European countries it's a legal requirement. Regular tyres harden in cold weather, meaning they have less traction on the road. This means the risk of spinning off the road is increased, and also the stopping distance is longer if you have to make an emergency stop.
Winter tyres are designed to minimise the hardening effect at low temperatures. They also grip better in wet conditions because of tiny slits in the tread blocks called sipes. These mean that when you brake, the tyre has more edges to bite into the road's surface, adding extra grip.
Even if you have winter tyres, it is the law in some alpine countries that snow chains must be carried in the boot of your car at all times and fitted over your wheels when required - such as in heavy snow on mountain roads.
Snow chains may sound extreme, but they are easy to fit. It is a good idea to carry a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands when putting on the chains in freezing conditions. A mat to kneel on is also useful.
Visibility
When driving in winter it is especially important to be able to see and be seen. Clear all snow from the bonnet, roof, windows and lights before setting off and, if it is snowing, do it again regularly through your journey. Also take warm blankets and hats, and some food and drink in the car in case you break down.
Try where possible to keep to main roads, which are more likely to be clear of snow and ice, and easier to negotiate in bad weather. The middle of winter is not the best time to take a 'scenic diversion'. If you have some grasp of the local language, it is a good idea to keep your radio tuned to a local station for weather and traffic warnings.
Drive with caution - according to The Highways Agency, in slippery conditions it can take up to ten times longer to stop. Adjust your speed to the conditions, and avoid overtaking when the weather conditions and roads are bad.
How to avoid a skid
One of the biggest dangers of winter driving is going into a skid. To avoid skidding, give yourself extra space from cars in front, slow down gently in advance of junctions or obstacles, and take corners slowly, particularly in shaded spots such as under a bridge.
However, if it is too late and you begin to skid, take your foot off the brake - braking will just lock the wheels and make the skid worse. Instead, depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.
Winter driving abroad requires added preparation and caution - especially if you are heading into the mountains or to northern Europe. If you are skiing this winter, remember to take care both on the slopes and the roads. Plan your route with our Route Planner and don't travel without travel insurance or breakdown cover.
