The best winter breakdown is the one that never happens. A little preparation before the cold really bites, and some sensible technique on slippery roads, dramatically cuts your chances of being stranded. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense checklist for driving in snow and ice across the UK.
Before winter: get the car ready
- Battery. It’s the top winter breakdown cause. If yours is over five years old or slow to crank, get it tested before December.
- Tyres. Check tread (at least 3mm is wise for winter) and pressures. Consider winter or all-season tyres if you’re in a hilly or rural area.
- Coolant and screenwash. Make sure antifreeze is at the right concentration and top up screenwash with a winter-grade mix that won’t freeze on the glass.
- Wipers and lights. Replace smeary blades and check every bulb, short winter days mean you’ll rely on them.
- Fuel or charge. Keep at least a quarter tank, or plenty of range, so a diversion or jam in the cold doesn’t leave you stuck.
Before every winter journey
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights and the roof, driving with a peephole is illegal and dangerous.
- Check the forecast and traffic, and delay non-essential trips in severe weather.
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival if you’re heading somewhere remote.
- Pack a winter kit: scraper, de-icer, blanket, torch, power bank, hi-vis and a warm coat.
Technique on snow and ice
Smoothness is everything. Pull away gently, often in second gear, to avoid wheelspin. Leave up to ten times your normal stopping distance. Brake and steer gently and separately, never both hard at once. Going downhill, drop into a low gear early and keep your speed right down. On bends, slow before you turn, not during. If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently into the direction of the slide without stamping on the brakes.
Uphill, hang back so you can keep a steady momentum without stopping. Getting stuck usually happens when you have to stop and restart on a slope.
If it goes wrong anyway
Even the best-prepared car can be caught out by black ice or a hidden fault. If you break down or slide off, get to safety and call for help rather than struggling on a treacherous road. K9 Recovery and Transport is there wherever you are, with 3,000 vetted drivers nationwide, no membership, full insurance and the keenest price in the UK. Any time, any place, any vehicle, any situation, if it’s broken down or stuck, we can move it, from cars and vans to 4x4s, motorhomes and more. See our breakdown recovery service or find your local coverage on our recovery areas page.
Broken down this winter? Get the keenest price in the UK, fast.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need winter tyres in the UK?
They’re not compulsory, but in rural, hilly or frequently snowy areas they make a real difference below 7°C. All-season tyres are a good compromise for milder regions. Whatever you fit, keep tread and pressures healthy.
What’s the single most important winter check?
The battery. It’s the most common cause of winter breakdowns by a wide margin. A quick test in autumn can spare you a dead car on the coldest morning of the year.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on the roof?
Snow sliding off onto your windscreen or another vehicle can land you in trouble for driving without proper visibility or in an unroadworthy manner. Clear the roof, windows, mirrors and lights every time.
What if I slide off the road but the car seems fine?
Don’t drive off a verge or out of a ditch if there’s any risk of damage or of getting stuck again. Call us, we’ll recover the vehicle safely and check it’s fit to carry on.