Winter Driving Guide 2024

As the seasons change and we shift from autumn to winter, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures cooler. While some of us may look forward to this time of year, it can in fact cause drivers increased levels of anxiety as they face new challenges on the road.

To help drivers navigate the challenges that winter brings to our roads, we have compiled the ultimate winter driving guide.

Overcoming winter driving anxiety 

Whether you’re planning to drive to a new destination for the first time for a winter getaway, family reunion, shopping excursion, or a host of other upcoming social occasions. Driving in an unfamiliar place can ignite fear in many drivers. 

These fearful feelings can reach boiling point when partnered with winter weather, darker nights, an unfamiliar car, and the pressure of visiting family members for the holidays. 

Your experience of anxiety may feel generally heightened during the winter months due to reduced daylight. For some people, the colder seasons can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to seasonal change. 

Reduced visibility, slippery road conditions, and the need for additional caution can heighten anxiety and make navigation more challenging, especially when driving in an unfamiliar area, or in a hire vehicle that you are not used to.

To ensure your journey runs as smoothly as possible we have utilized our team of winter driving experts to compile some essential tips to follow before setting off on your journeys this winter.

Essential car checks to make before setting off

1. Check your tyres 

Ensuring your tyres are inflated is an essential part of driving all year round, however, a good grip is more important than ever whilst navigating winter roads. 

Cold temperatures make tires brittle, stiffer, and less able to grip the road, increasing your stopping distance and making it harder to steer. To prevent damage and bursts, check your tires’ pressure and tread depth before setting off on your journey. Remember, the outer band of a 20p coin should disappear when slotted into the tread. If it doesn’t, or you notice any cracks or punctures in your tires, get them replaced before setting off.

In cold weather, the air inside your tires contracts, reducing tire pressure. This can affect your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency. 

If you are driving in particularly cold areas, we recommend switching to winter tires. Winter tires are made with materials that help them stay flexible in cold temperatures and have tread patterns that help expel snow and ice.

Additionally, it would also be wise to carry a spare tire with you should you suffer a puncture during your trip.

2. Check your wipers & washers

The last thing a driver needs is to be stuck in a rainstorm only to discover that their wiper blades are damaged. This is a huge safety risk for motorists driving in the rain; visibility on the road will already be reduced and without adequate wiper blades, this visibility essentially drops to zero, potentially leading to a collision or accident.

Cold weather can stiffen and damage your wiper blades, making them more brittle. Make sure your windscreen wipers are working well and your screen wash reservoir is full. 

It is recommended to use a screen wash that’s effective down to at least -10°C to prevent freezing and it's easier to use a de-icer to melt the layer of snow and ice and an ice scraper to clear your windscreen if experiencing frost.

Driving without working wipers that adequately clear the windshield is illegal and can be considered careless driving.

3. Familiarise yourself with your lights and heat systems

This step is especially important in a hire car, make sure you know how to change your lights for better visibility in bad weather and are clear on how to operate your heating system so you can adjust it quickly while driving without the distraction of trying to work out how to turn it on!

Check all your lights (headlights, fog lights, indicators, and brake lights) to make sure they're functioning and clean. This helps you see and be seen

4. Wear your sunglasses

It may sound like a strange point when you’ve spent 10 minutes getting dressed in your warmest layers but sunglasses help to reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow. 

Sunglasses will drastically improve your visibility on the road so be sure to have them with you even in the snowiest of conditions. 

It is recommended to wear sunglasses with polarised lenses as they have a special filter that reduces glare from light reflecting off water, snow, and glass, while also reducing eye strain. 

5. Use technology wisely

With so much technology at our fingertips, there are a variety of apps available to us that can ensure a safer journey. Make use of traffic and weather apps to get real-time updates on road conditions and any potential delays. However, don’t rely solely on these; use them as a guide and keep your focus on the road.

Additionally, modern cars have various systems to help with traction and braking. Familiarise yourself with these systems, but don’t let them create a false sense of security. They can assist, but they don’t defy physics.

6. Pack for the worst

Regular checks and maintenance of your vehicle can help keep it running, but there are some breakdowns you can’t foresee.

Make sure you have any essential medication, food, warm clothing, a blanket and a first aid kit so that should the worst happen you can remain comfortable while waiting for breakdown recovery. 

For more detailed essentials to pack, keep reading on.

12 essentials to pack in your car before a winter road trip

1. De-icer and ice-scraper

Starting with the basics, many drivers have a de-icer and scraper at home but don’t forget to take them with you on your winter journeys, no matter how short. If you park up for a prolonged period or break down, you may have to de-ice your windscreen before hitting the road.

2. Torch 

You may find yourself in a situation where you have a flat battery, need to conserve energy, or leave your vehicle in a remote location. Packing a torch could be vital in these instances to help you see inside your car, inspect the outside, and, if needed, navigate your way to safety.

3. A physical map

If your GPS or phone goes flat or loses signal, you will need a way to continue navigating your journey. Going old school and packing a physical map will mean that come rain or shine, you’ll be able to arrive at your destination safely. 

4. Phone charger and portable charger

If your car has a USB output, a phone charging cable is essential to stopping your battery from going flat. It is also a good idea to pack a pre-charged portable phone charger in case your car battery dies to ensure your phone is fully topped up to contact breakdown recovery, family, and friends.

5. Warm clothes and a blanket

Regardless of whether your car breaks down, you may find yourself suck in traffic or going on longer journeys over the winter months. To ensure you and your passengers stay warm, particularly if they’re children or elderly, pack extra warm clothing and blankets to ensure everyone is comfortable and warm.

6. Boots

An extra pair of sturdy boots is vital for winter journeys to prepare you should the weather take a turn and you need to get out to scrap your windscreen, shovel snow, change a tire, or walk for help.

7. Shovel

A shovel may not instantly come to mind when planning a road trip, but it quickly becomes essential when stranded. Whether you go on a winter staycation and awake to being snowed in or need to clear a path for your car after a sudden snow spell, a shovel in the boot is a must-have. 

8. High-visibility jacket

With daylight saving, the winter months mean more time in darkness. If you need to get out of your vehicle, a high-visibility jacket will make you more visible to other road users and breakdown vehicles. 

9. First aid kit

A first aid kit is essential for your car no matter the weather, but in winter, when breakdowns are more likely, it is even more important, to ensure you are ready for all eventualities.

10. Water and food

With longer journeys and breakdowns more likely, extra water and snacks can make your time on the road more comfortable. Keep some non-perishables, like nuts, dried fruit, crisps, and chocolate bars, in your glove compartment to keep you going. 

11. Empty fuel can

Not every breakdown is due to a flat battery, sometimes it is as simple as running out of fuel. An empty fuel can stops you from having to call for help and, if possible, safely walk to a petrol station and top up. 

12. Warning triangle

Should the worst happen and you find yourself stuck on the road, putting an emergency warning triangle 45 meters (147 feet) behind your vehicle will alert other road users of your car, preventing any accidents while you wait for help.

The most effective hacks for defrosting your car


Defrosting your car is an essential step before setting off on a winter morning. Frost, ice, or condensation can obstruct your view, making it harder to navigate the roads and see pedestrians. Allowing yourself extra time in the mornings to prepare your car before embarking on your journey, along with using the right tools and techniques, can make all the difference.

1. Park your car facing East

Something as simple as parking your car in the right place can give you one less job to worry about on a cold morning. 

Because the sun rises in the east, it can melt away the ice on your windscreen for you - giving you a few extra minutes in bed. However, it will depend on how much sunlight you get and how early you leave the house.

2. Spray vinegar on your windscreen the night before

With a little forward planning you can stop frost from forming in the first place and spraying your windscreen with a solution of mixed water and vinegar will help with this.

Vinegar is often used as a de-icer because its freezing point is much lower than water’s, meaning the water doesn’t have the chance to settle and freeze on top of the vinegar.

3. Rub onion on top of your windscreen 

Onions have a similar effect to vinegar, and if you don’t have an onion in your cupboard, then try potato instead! The sugar molecules from these vegetables can work to break down frost as soon as it forms on the window.

Cut an onion or potato in half and then rub it generously all over the windows and windscreen the night before and this should drive the frost away.

4. Use a bed sheet if your car is parked outside

Putting a bed sheet or large piece of cardboard over the windscreen and using the wipers to hold it in place overnight is an effective (and cheap!) way to shield it from the ice.

5. Heat up your car

If you’ve forgotten to do any of the steps above to prevent ice from setting, then heating up your car is the first step. 

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to use your wipers on your icy windscreen as that won't de-ice your car in any way and is more likely to damage it. 

Instead, turn your front and rear demister on max and the ice will start to melt from the heat. You can then wipe away any excess water with your wipers, and return the fan to normal. 

Also, don’t be tempted to go inside the house to stay warm as it’s not unusual for thieves to steal defrosting vehicles from driveways.

6. Use a proper car ice scraper

If you’re in more of a rush, you can start to scrape the ice as the car warms up. 

However, don’t be tempted to cut corners and grab the nearest flat object, like a bank card. Attempting to scrape bits of ice off with anything other than a car ice scraper could just result in a scratched windscreen.

7. Use a deicing fluid

Try to keep a bottle of de-icing fluid either in the car or in the house to speed up the ice-scraping process. It can be bought at most supermarkets and petrol stations.

While many homemade alternatives are just as effective at removing ice, nothing quite beats the ease of the real thing!

8. Fill a bag with warm water

If you don’t own a car ice scraper or have de-icer fluid to hand, then this is another option to try for a quick result. 

It may sound obvious but it’s always worth mentioning that you should never pour boiling hot water onto your windscreen. While one in five of us have admitted to doing this, even pouring lukewarm water can cause car windows to crack, especially if they are already chipped. 

Instead, pour some warm water into a ziplock bag and then rub the bag over your windscreen. This hack went viral on TikTok last winter because it takes the ice off in seconds! 

9. Last but not least - there’s always alcohol!

You might not like the sound of wasting a bottle of vodka on your car but depending on how desperate you are at that moment, it will do the job.

The alcohol content in vodka makes it a great de-icer in minus temperatures - even if it drains your alcohol supply.

It’s important to remember driving with limited vision during icy weather conditions is not only dangerous but can also land you with a £100 fine and three points on your license. 

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these top tips and begin implementing them into your daily routine.

How to navigate the winter roads in varying weather conditions

Winter brings various elements drivers have to contend with. While we may not get a white Christmas in the UK, we have seen increased numbers of storms throughout the year. Here, we have listed how to drive safely during every winter weather condition. 

Rain and storms 

1. Check the condition of your wipers

As mentioned previously, the last thing a driver needs is to be stuck in a rainstorm only to discover that their wiper blades are damaged. 

Take the time now to inspect your wipers for any nicks or damage that could lower their effectiveness, and if any damage is found replace them immediately.

2. Ensure your lights are working properly

Visibility in heavy downpours can be severely reduced, not only for the driver of a vehicle but for other motorists and pedestrians as well. It is recommended that in heavy rain, even during the day, drivers use their lights to ensure they are seen by others. This is why checking all bulbs is an important maintenance task that shouldn’t be put off, particularly when storms are forecast.

Brake lights are particularly important as increasing stopping speed is required in wet weather due to the reduced grip on the road causing it to take longer to stop, this means that drivers need to make sure that motorists behind them can see when they are slowing and stopping to allow them to have enough time to do the same.

3. Slow down and concentrate 

When driving in high winds and heavy rain it is crucial that you slow down and focus on the road in front of you. You may encounter debris from fallen trees, branches or other items blown by winds or your visibility may be affected which may make it harder to see break lights or indicators. When driving in high winds, you may find that gusts of wind cause your vehicle to shake. Always keep good control of your vehicle by using both hands on the steering wheel and keeping your speed down will stop strong gusts of wind from taking you of course.

4. Increase your stopping distance

As already briefly touched upon, during heavy rain drivers are required to increase their stopping distance by at least double, Rule 227 of the Highway Code states: “In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tires have less grip on the road.”

For motorists driving at 60mph, for example, the stopping distance should be 240 feet on dry roads; for wet roads, a motorist is required to increase this to 480 feet. Not only does visibility lessen in these conditions, meaning it is more difficult to see when the motorist in front is braking, but it also changes the surface of the road affecting traction and as a result, the car takes longer to stop.

5. Keep your distance when passing other vehicles 

When driving in strong winds, you should always be cautious when passing larger-high-sided vehicles such as lorries or buses. Keep room on either side of your vehicle when passing these vehicles to allow for it to be blown sideways but avoid overtaking where possible. As well as large high-sided vehicles, take care when passing cyclists and motorcyclists. These vehicles are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts and could potentially veer across the road. 

6. Avoid puddles

Driving through big puddles at the side of the road may seem like a fun idea at the time, but this activity could lead to car aquaplaning which can be very dangerous. Simply put, aquaplaning is an issue caused when a layer of water is allowed to build up between a vehicle’s tires and the surface of the road. This results in a lack of traction between the tire and the road which can cause the driver to lose control and the ability to steer, brake, or accelerate. For this reason, motorists should do all they can to avoid big puddles safely but if driving through them is necessary then speed should be reduced.

It is also important to remember that under the Road Traffic Act 1988 motorists who intentionally splash pedestrians can be prosecuted. It is illegal to drive "without reasonable consideration for other persons" as well as more specifically, "driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed". 

If found guilty, motorists can be slapped with a fine of up to £5,000, for behavior deemed to be "an act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience, or aggressiveness". As well as a fine, drivers are also risking being handed between three and nine penalty points on their license.

7. Check your route

It is advised that those who need to travel during turbulent weather conditions check their route before setting off. Checking Google Maps or similar before leaving may alert motorists to road closures due to flooding or obstructions, however, it is also a good idea to check your local Facebook groups too as these can often highlight route issues long before maps or even the radio is told of them.

When out, motorists should be sure to look for fallen branches and trees and navigate them sensibly. It is safer to go around these branches than trying to go over them which could cause damage to the car and affect the control the driver has over the vehicle.

Staying safe in the snow




1. Avoid correcting skids

If your car starts to spin or skid in the snow the most important thing you can do is keep your hands firmly on the wheel and steer your car in the direction of the skid. 

Try not to correct it by jerking the wheel or braking too hard as the car may respond by spinning even further out of control. 

If you are at immediate risk of crashing into something then you can brake but do this as gently as possible.

2. Drive in a higher gear 

One of the biggest changes you must make to your driving habits relates to your gears. 

While it’s common practice to pull off in first gear this should be avoided in the snow as traveling in low gears dramatically increases the risk of you spinning and skidding. 

Instead, move off in second and carefully change up to a higher gear as soon as the car is moving. 

Once in a high gear, aim to keep your revs low as this will help to prevent your wheels from spinning over icy road surfaces. Ideally, changing gear should be avoided as much as possible. 

3. Failing to clear your registration plate

Most of us remember to clear our windscreens and mirrors when it snows but many people tend to forget their registration plate. 

Although clearing your registration plate won’t have a direct impact on your driving capabilities it will prevent you from getting into trouble with the police who can fine you £1,000 for obscuring your number plate. 

4. Don’t rely solely on daytime lights

When driving in heavy snow make sure that you use your dipped headlights. Relying on daytime running lights will not be enough because they don’t always put lights on the back of your car.

If your visibility drops below 100m it’s important that you put your fog lights on immediately. 

Remember to turn them off again when the visibility improves otherwise you’re at risk of dazzling other road users.

5. Be cautious about wearing winter clothes at the wheel

Going outside in cold weather and snow means we’ll all be wrapping up in our coziest layers - even our favorite trainers are often swapped out for thick winter boots. 

However, if you're caught driving without due care and attention because of what you're wearing your outfit could land you with a £100 fine and points on your licence.

The Highway Code 97 states that you should ensure "clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner".

Bulky coats, scarves, and gloves can limit your movements, grip, and visibility behind the wheel so it’s important to ditch them before you set off. 

6. Don’t reduce the pressure in your tires 

A common myth many people believe is that reducing tire pressure will increase the grip you have in the snow but that is simply not true.

As car tires are designed to function at a particular pressure, deflating them can actually reduce the control you have when driving on snow and ice. Keeping your tyres pumped up should therefore be a key priority not least because they’re more likely to deflate in cold and wintry conditions. This is because cold air is more dense than warm air so when the temperature drops, your tyre pressure will drop with it.

Try and make a habit out of checking your tire pressure every couple of weeks, especially over the winter period as temperatures remain low. 

Failure to do this could lead to a £2,500 fine and three points on your license.

Navigating black ice 

1. Gradually release the accelerator 

If you encounter black ice on the road, it’s essential to slowly and gently release the accelerator. The crucial mistake to avoid is slamming on the brakes, as this action can result in your wheels locking up, causing your car to slide, spin, and ultimately, a loss of control. If you do need to slow down quicker, you can gently and gradually apply the brakes but it is recommended to avoid the brakes altogether and let your vehicle slow down naturally to ensure full control. 

2. Shift to a lower gear 

Shifting into a lower gear when driving in icy or snowy conditions provides your vehicle with better traction reducing the risk of your wheels spinning, helps controlled braking, and provides your vehicle with enhanced stability. Driving in a lower gear also ensures smoother acceleration and deceleration, reducing the potential for sudden movements that might result in a loss of control on icy roads.

3. Keep the steering wheel straight 

If you hit black ice, it's crucial to maintain a straight steering wheel and avoid sudden or sharp turns. If your vehicle starts to slide or skid, overcorrecting by turning the steering wheel suddenly or sharply can worsen the situation. Keeping the wheel straight reduces the chance of overcorrection and helps you regain control more effectively.

If you do find yourself skidding, carefully and slowly turn your car into the direction of the skid. If you are skidding left, steer your wheel gradually to the left to correct it. You should gently guide your car in the desired direction with minimal adjustments. The aim is to allow your vehicle to smoothly pass over the ice. 

4. Pull over somewhere safe 

Experiencing a skid while driving on ice can be unsettling, and it's a common reaction to feel shaken. Rather than panicking and risking distraction on the road, try to stay calm. Find a safe location to pull over and take a moment to collect yourself before continuing your journey.

Ready to take to the roads of Iceland?

Driving in cold and wintery conditions need not be daunting. Remembering all of the tips above from Icelandic winter driving experts will allow you to enjoy that freedom of a road trip whatever the weather. If you’re thinking of taking a self-drive trip to Iceland during the winter months, book your rental car with Lotus Car Rental today, with a wide range of 4x4 vehicles to help easily navigate the slippery roads.

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