5 Winter Driving Tips

Winter is not the best time of year for driving, with dark, cold, cloudy conditions making the roads treacherous. Here are some of our top tips for driving and staying safe at this time of year when you are travelling to work and between jobs.

Allow plenty of time

If the roads are slippery or visibility is poor, you may need to drive more slowly and anticipate road accidents which could cause delays, so make sure you plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journeys.

Check for traffic updates

Before leaving the house and while on the road, tune into your local radio station or check your app to find out about any incidents or traffic build-ups which might affect you so that you can plan an alternate route. 

Use your lights responsibly

With fewer daylight hours in winter, it is important that you use your lights properly to improve your visibility and make other drivers aware of your presence. If you need to use your main beam, make sure you switch it off as soon as you recognise that there is an oncoming vehicle to avoid dazzling them. A recent study showed that it can take a 65-year-old up to nine seconds to recover total vision after being dazzled by full-beam glare. To avoid being dazzled when passing a vehicle at night, try focusing on the left-hand curb just while the car passes you.

Do regular vehicle checks

Conducting some vehicle quick checks regularly can help you stay safe and prevent problems. Check your

• Tyre pressure and tread depth - properly inflated tyres with good tread will improve your grip and efficiency 

• Windscreen, wipers and fluid-clean windows will improve your visibility

• Lights - clean lights will also increase visibility

Make sure you have the right vehicle for the job

Find high-quality used vans in Cheshire at Cheshire Vehicle Supplies, the Warrington car and van sales specialists!