Driving in snow: how to stay in control on winter roads

The essentials

• Avoid unnecessary travel in severe snow or ice; if you must travel, plan extra time and a safer route.
• The Highway Code says stopping distances can be up to ten times greater on snow and ice than on dry roads.
• Use smooth steering, acceleration and braking and keep a much larger gap.
• Use a higher gear where appropriate to reduce wheelspin; second gear can help when moving off in slippery conditions.
• Slow before descents and use an appropriate lower gear rather than relying on heavy braking.
• Suitable tyres matter more than four-wheel drive alone.

Start with the decision to travel

The Highway Code and Met Office both emphasise planning before setting off. In severe weather, the safest choice can be to delay the journey. If travel is necessary, allow more time and favour main roads that are more likely to be treated.

Check the forecast for the whole route, not just your starting point. Mountain weather can be very different from conditions in the valley or city below.

Stopping distances can be dramatically longer

The Highway Code states that stopping distances on snow and ice can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads. That is the central rule to remember: leave a very large gap and avoid creating situations that require sudden braking.

Speed should be low enough that you can stop well within the distance you can see to be clear, especially on bends and descents.

Smooth inputs: steering, throttle and brakes

Abrupt steering or acceleration can exceed the limited grip available. Build speed gently, turn progressively and brake early. If the wheels begin to spin, more throttle is usually not the answer.

If the car starts to skid, avoid panic inputs. Ease off and steer smoothly according to the vehicle behaviour and manufacturer guidance, focusing your vision on the path you want the car to follow.

Which gear should you use?

The Highway Code advises using the highest gear possible to help avoid wheelspin and suggests second gear can be useful when moving off on slippery surfaces. That does not mean one gear is correct for every gradient or every car.

On descents, select a suitable lower gear before the slope so the drivetrain can help control speed. In an automatic, use snow mode or manual selection only as described by the manufacturer.

Hills, black ice and shaded mountain roads

On an uphill section, keep enough momentum to avoid unnecessary stops but do not accelerate hard enough to spin the wheels. On the way down, reduce speed before the gradient and avoid heavy braking mid-corner.

Black ice can form where the road looks clear, especially on bridges, exposed sections and shaded bends. Early morning and late afternoon are often the moments when temperature changes matter most.

Prepare the car before you reach the snow

Clear all windows properly, remove snow that could fall from the vehicle and make sure lights, wipers and screenwash are ready for winter use. Carry a scraper or de-icer, warm clothing, a torch, food and drink, a charged phone and a charger on higher-risk journeys.

If your trip continues into continental Europe, check the winter-tyre and snow-chain rules of the countries you will enter. UK roadworthiness rules are not a passport through every Alpine country.

Sources used

• GOV.UK – Highway Code rules 228–231
• Met Office – Driving in severe weather
• Met Office – Travelling in heavy snow and ice

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Winter tyres in the UK
• Driving to the Alps from the UK