Common Winter Driving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Winter conditions transform familiar roads into unpredictable surfaces. Ice, frost, and reduced daylight hours create hazards that catch even experienced drivers off guard. Many motorists make the same mistakes each year, often without realising the risks until it's too late.

Understanding these common errors and knowing how to correct them can make a real difference to your safety and that of other road users. Simple changes to your driving habits and vehicle preparation can prevent accidents and help you stay in control during the coldest months; click here to learn how.

Failing to Check Tyre Condition and Pressure

Tyres are your only contact with the road surface. Worn treads and incorrect pressure reduce grip dramatically on wet or icy roads. Many drivers don't check their tyres regularly enough, particularly as temperatures drop.

Tread depth should be well above the legal minimum for winter driving. Cold weather also causes tyre pressure to fall, which affects handling and braking distance. Check your tyres at least once a fortnight during winter, ideally when they're cold. Look for uneven wear patterns, cracks, or embedded objects. If you're involved in an incident and an assessment finds your tyres were below safe standards, it can affect how your claim is handled and may increase your excess payment.

Underestimating Stopping Distances on Ice

Stopping distances can increase tenfold on ice compared to dry roads. Drivers often maintain their usual following distance, which leaves no margin for error. This is one of the most dangerous winter driving habits.

The two-second rule that works in summer becomes inadequate in winter. You should leave at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, and more in freezing conditions. To measure this, pick a fixed point such as a sign or tree. When the car in front passes it, count slowly. If you reach the same point before finishing your count, you're too close. Gentle braking is essential. Harsh or sudden braking on ice can lock your wheels and send you into a skid. Anticipate stops well in advance and brake progressively.

Neglecting to Clear All Windows and Mirrors

Clearing just a small patch of windscreen might seem like a time-saver, but it creates dangerous blind spots. Many drivers set off with frosted side windows or rear screens, limiting their visibility and awareness of other road users.

Take the extra few minutes to clear all glass surfaces completely. Use a proper ice scraper and de-icer rather than hot water, which can crack cold glass. Make sure your mirrors are clean and your lights are free from snow or ice. Driving with obscured vision isn't just unsafe. It can also lead to penalty points and fines if you're stopped, and any incident that occurs because of poor visibility may complicate your insurance claim.

Ignoring Warning Lights and Fluid Levels

Cold weather puts extra strain on your vehicle's systems. Batteries lose charge more quickly, and fluids thicken or deplete faster. Warning lights that appear on your dashboard should never be ignored, particularly in winter. Check your antifreeze level and concentration before the cold sets in. Low or weak antifreeze can cause your engine to freeze or overheat.

Screen wash should also be topped up with a winter-grade solution that won't freeze in the reservoir or on the windscreen. Battery failure is one of the most common winter breakdowns. If your battery is more than five years old or struggles to start the engine, have it tested. A flat battery can leave you stranded in dangerous conditions.

Overconfidence in Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Drivers of four-wheel drive or SUVs sometimes assume their vehicles are immune to winter hazards. While these vehicles offer better traction in snow, they don't stop any faster on ice. Overconfidence can lead to excessive speed and risky manoeuvres.

All vehicles are subject to the same laws of physics on icy roads. Four-wheel drive helps you accelerate and climb hills, but it won't shorten your braking distance or prevent skidding. Adjust your speed and driving style to match the conditions, regardless of what you're driving.

A Real Scenario That Affects Cover

Imagine a driver who sets off on a frosty morning without checking their vehicle. Their windscreen is partially frosted, and their tyres are underinflated. They approach a junction too quickly and can't stop in time, sliding into the car ahead.

During the claims process, the insurer's assessor notes the tyre pressure was significantly low and the driver's view was restricted. These factors may be considered as contributing to the incident. The driver's excess could increase, and their no-claims bonus may be affected. Taking a few minutes to prepare the vehicle properly could have prevented the accident and protected their record.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions

Preparation is the best defence against winter driving mistakes. A few straightforward checks can make your journeys safer and reduce the chance of breakdowns or accidents.

• Test your battery and replace it if it shows signs of weakness.
• Check all lights are working and clean them regularly.
• Keep an emergency kit in your boot with a blanket, torch, and phone charger.
• Top up washer fluid with a winter-grade solution.
• Inspect wiper blades and replace them if they're worn or streaking.

These small actions take little time but can make a significant difference if you encounter difficult conditions or need to make an emergency stop.

Adjusting Your Driving Style

Your driving technique needs to change in winter. Smooth, gentle inputs are essential. Accelerate gently, brake progressively, and steer smoothly. Sudden movements can break traction and loss of control. Learning to avoid common winter driving mistakes takes practice and awareness, but the effort protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

Plan your routes to avoid minor roads that may not be gritted. Allow extra time for your journey so you're not tempted to rush. If conditions are particularly severe, consider whether your trip is necessary.

Staying Safe Throughout the Season

Winter driving demands respect for the conditions and a willingness to adapt. The mistakes outlined here are all preventable with a little preparation and a change in mindset. Checking your vehicle regularly, adjusting your speed, and maintaining proper visibility are simple steps that can prevent serious incidents.

Your safety and the safety of others depend on the choices you make before and during every winter journey. Take the time to prepare properly, and you'll find winter roads far less daunting.