When it comes to driving safely in the winter, most of us know the basics.
We all know we need to keep an ice scraper handy and we’re all well aware that icy, snowy, wet weather can create hazardous driving conditions.
But when it comes to staying safe on the roads as the temperatures plummet, there’s plenty more you could be doing.
In many countries, people get their vehicles ‘winter ready’ with snow tyres, a check on the heating system and various other safety precautions.
In the UK, we tend not to take the same approach…
But that doesn’t mean that we don’t see black ice, freezing temperatures and the occasional bout of snow.
Which is why you should be aware that failing to clear ice snow or debris from your windows could actually land you with a £1,000 fine.
And you need to take safety precautions with your tyres all year round, particularly when it comes to tyre tread – which is an even bigger issue in low temperatures.
As your tyres attempt to grip the icy, snowy roads, a deeper tread gains more traction and decreases your stopping distance when braking.
Which is why there is a fine of £2,500 per tyre if your vehicle is below the legal limit of 1.6mm of tread depth.
