How to Drive Safely in Snow: Essential Tips for Snowy Roads in Northern Ireland

At Granite Breakdown, a division of CRASH Services providing breakdown and recovery assistance across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, winter weather often leads to a rise in call-outs for breakdowns, flat batteries, and vehicles stuck in snow.

Interestingly, according to the Met Office, snow fell somewhere in the UK every day between 22 January and 17 March 1947. While heavy snowfall is less common today, it’s still important to be prepared when winter weather strikes.

Driving in Snow: What You Need to Know

Whenever snow is forecast, it’s worth considering whether your journey is absolutely necessary. During severe weather, the Met Office may issue weather warnings and advise motorists to avoid non-essential travel.

However, if you do need to drive in snowy conditions, preparation is essential.

Essential Preparations Before Driving in Snow

Clear Snow and Ice From Your Vehicle

Before setting off, remove all snow and ice from:

• Windscreens
• Side windows
• Rear window
• Wing mirrors
• Roof
• Bonnet
• Boot lid

Snow left on your vehicle can slide onto your windscreen while driving or blow onto other vehicles, creating dangerous conditions.

Top Up Your Screen Wash

Winter roads often become dirty from grit, salt, and slush.

Ensure your screen wash reservoir is topped up with a winter-grade screen wash solution to maintain visibility throughout your journey.

Use De-Icer Properly

Apply de-icer to:

• Front windscreen
• Rear window
• Side windows
• Mirrors

Allow plenty of time for the ice to clear completely before driving.

Warm the Vehicle and Clear Condensation

Before setting off:

• Turn on the heating system
• Clear condensation from all windows
• Ensure full visibility before moving off

Never drive if your view is restricted.

Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

When travelling during winter, it’s wise to prepare for delays or breakdowns.

Consider carrying:

• Warm coat
• Hat and gloves
• Suitable footwear
• Blanket
• Torch
• Power bank
• Phone charging cable
• Bottled water
• Shovel
• Cat litter or gravel
• Old carpet or traction mats

These items can prove invaluable if you become stranded in severe weather.

Consider Winter Tyres

If you regularly travel in areas prone to snow and ice, winter tyres may be worth considering.

Winter tyres are designed to provide:

• Improved grip
• Better braking performance
• Enhanced traction in cold conditions

They can be particularly useful in rural, hilly, or mountainous parts of Northern Ireland.

Check Your Tyres Before Travelling

Tyres are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle.

Before driving in snow:

• Check tread depth
• Inspect for damage
• Check tyre pressures

Although the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, many road safety experts recommend more tread for winter driving, as increased tread depth improves grip and water dispersion.

Look After Your Car Battery

Cold weather places additional strain on vehicle batteries.

The Granite Breakdown team regularly attends battery-related call-outs during winter because:

• Cold temperatures reduce battery performance.
• Short journeys don’t fully recharge batteries.
• Vehicles left unused for long periods can suffer battery drain.

If your battery is older or showing signs of weakness, consider having it tested before winter.

Choose Your Route Carefully

When snow falls, major roads are usually prioritised for gritting and snow clearance.

Where possible:

• Use motorways
• Use dual carriageways
• Avoid minor rural roads
• Avoid steep hills if alternative routes are available

Although major roads may sometimes take longer, they are often safer during severe weather.

Top Tips for Driving in Snow

1. Pull Away in Second Gear

Using second gear can help reduce wheel spin and improve traction when moving off on snow-covered roads.

2. Use Higher Gears Where Appropriate

Higher gears can make acceleration smoother and reduce the likelihood of losing grip.

3. Slow Down

Always adjust your speed to suit the conditions.

Remember:

• Snow and ice dramatically reduce grip.
• Braking distances increase significantly.
• Sudden manoeuvres become more dangerous.

4. Drive Smoothly

All vehicle inputs should be gentle and controlled.

This includes:

• Steering
• Braking
• Accelerating

Sudden actions are more likely to cause a skid.

5. Leave More Space

Stopping distances can increase significantly in snowy conditions.

According to nidirect, stopping distances can be up to ten times greater in snow than on dry roads.

Allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

Help! My Car Is Stuck in the Snow

If your vehicle becomes stuck, don’t panic.

Try Clearing Snow Around the Tyres

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock to help clear snow from around the front wheels.

Avoid Excessive Wheel Spin

Constantly spinning the wheels can make the problem worse by digging the vehicle deeper into the snow.

Create Traction

If you’ve packed winter supplies, place:

• Cat litter
• Gravel
• Sand
• Old carpet

around the driven wheels to improve grip.

You can also use small stones, twigs, or other materials available nearby if necessary.

Rock the Vehicle Gently

Carefully alternate between reverse gear and second gear to gently rock the vehicle backward and forward.

This can sometimes generate enough traction to free the vehicle.

Need Breakdown Assistance?

If your vehicle remains stuck or suffers a breakdown in winter weather, Granite Breakdown is available to help.

As a division of CRASH Services, Granite Breakdown provides:

• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle recovery
• Home start cover
• 24-hour breakdown support
• Coverage across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

24-Hour Helpline: 028 90 029457

Did You Know?

More than 20,000 motorists across Northern Ireland trust Granite Breakdown for breakdown and recovery assistance.

You can purchase annual cover today for just £80:

Purchase Granite Breakdown Membership