Preparing to drive in poor weather

While the snow that swamped the UK over recent months has largely disappeared, drivers should still consider how they can prepare their car to drive in poor conditions.

The swathes of wintry weather to have hit the UK in recent months could well have seen many drivers spend hours digging their car out of the snow and contending with bitterly cold temperatures and ice-laden roads in an effort to get to their destination.

But although most places in the country are now free of snow, with the Met Office continuing to issue weather warnings for gale-force winds and heavy rainfall, motorists may still want to consider what action they should take when driving in poor conditions.

And although it is now early February, drivers could be well advised to invest in winter tyres. Flurries of snow in March and April have been known to happen in the past - most recently in 2010 - so buying these tyres could be a good idea even at this time of year.

Featuring wider grooves and silts at the edge of the tread area, such products are designed to provide better grip when driving on ice and snow.

And Peter Rodger, chief examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, notes snow tyres "could be a sensible option for some UK motorists", particularly those who live in remote or high-altitude areas.

But while drivers can leave these tyres on their car all year round, doing so may be unadvisable as they will offer less grip in warmer, dryer conditions and are susceptible to wear out more quickly.

Alternatively, those driving in poor weather might want to purchase all-season tyres. These can be suitable in a whole range of conditions, although they do not offer the same level of protection in snow as those designed specifically for use in the winter.

But people preparing to set off in bad weather should do more than just making sure they have the right tyres for their car.

GEM Motoring Assist chief executive David Williams points out that in the event they encounter problems while out on the roads, motorists should pack items such as a torch, tow ropes, blankets and food.

Indeed, research published by the firm last year showed 73 per cent of drivers have taken positive action in preparing their vehicle for hazardous conditions, a turnaround from the three-quarters of Britons questioned in 2008 who claimed they rarely have anything more than de-icer and a scraper in the boot.

"It seems an increasing number of drivers are much more aware of the problems they could be faced with and have actually done something about it," Mr Williams reports.

However, a 2010 TyreSafe study showed that while 54 per cent of motorists felt less safe about driving in the colder months, one in five (18 per cent) fail to take any specific measures to prepare their car for this time of year.

The organisation notes drivers should make sure that tread depth around the entire circumference of their tyres exceeds the legal minimal requirements of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters.

Checking tyre pressure before a long journey or making sure wheels do not have any cuts or objects embedded in them was also advised.

But while there may not be as much snow on the ground as there was in December and January, the cold temperatures many parts of the country continue to experience will require motorists to consider how to maintain their vehicle's performance.

Recent Kwik Fit research showed more than half (56 per cent) of drivers keep their air-conditioning system switched off during the winter. But while many of these consumers believe they are saving money, doing so can actually lead to a build up of bacteria in the system as well as increasing the risk of leaks when they are used again in the summer.

And as the Met Office issued weather warnings for heavy snow in the Highlands, Grampian and Strathclyde areas of Scotland - among others - early today (February 4th) motorists should ensure they are always prepared to drive in bad weather.

However, by bearing the above points and comments in mind, getting a car in shape for poor conditions need not be a difficult task.