Our Guide to Driving on Icy Roads
We’re only just into the season of Autumn but already it’s feeling like Winter and our roads are really feeling the effect. With the cold mornings that you’re having to deal with, it can be more than easy to forget to take extra care but with the risk that ice poses it is vital that you follow these top tips of ours.
Drive slowly
A vehicle can be dangerous when it’s out of control and there is a good chance that if you don’t drive with increased caution in the ice, you could soon lose control of our car. That’s why it is important to drive slowly. You should remember the old saying, better late than never! Another tip is to leave a large gap between you and the car in front, as icy roads reduce tyre grip and increase breaking distances. Leaving a large gap will ensure that if you need to suddenly break, you will have plenty of space to do so.
Stay Vigilant
With less control of your car, things that would usually be minor hazards on the road could easily turn into major risks. Always remember to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for anything in the road so that you leave yourself with a good amount of time to avoid it. One hazard that you should watch out for is large patches of ice. If you know there is ice ahead, this will ensure you can either drive round it completely or take care when approaching.
How to deal with Skidding
Even if you have taken as much care as possible when driving, there is always still the chance that the ice could get the better of your car and send it into a skid. Skidding is a scary ordeal for anyone, especially if it’s the first time it’s happened to you. Whilst it is an instinct reaction to panic, it is imperative that you remain composed in order to gain control of the car. Rather than just slamming on the breaks, you should steer gently into the skid. This will make it much easier to bring your car out of the skid.
Repair Work
If your vehicle ends up suffering from the conditions, leaving any damage unattended could be extremely dangerous. Whether you know exactly what the issue is or you’re not sure and need some investigation work, you should seek help as soon as possible. At Off Rhodes Garage, we provide a first-class repair service in which we can offer you a quick and effective service. We can also advise you on how to manage your vehicle going forward.
For more information on our services, visit www.offrhodesgarage.co.uk or give us a call on 01748 811 500.