Winter Driving Tips 2025 | Staying Safe in Cold Weather
Driving
during winter can be demanding, particularly in challenging conditions such as
snow or icy roads. This guide offers essential advice to help PCO drivers
navigate winter weather safely while optimizing
their journeys.
Getting
Your PCO Car Winter-Ready
Ensure your
vehicle is fully prepared for winter by following this checklist:
- Verify that your battery is fully
charged before starting your trip.
- Test your lights to confirm they
are functioning and clean.
- Inspect brakes and tyres for
optimal condition.
- Refill essential fluids,
including windscreen wash, oil, and antifreeze.
- Clear all snow and ice from
mirrors and windows before driving.
- Check your vehicle manual for
features like winter mode or recommended use of second gear for smooth
starts.
- Carry a winter kit with
essentials such as de-icer, an ice scraper, a warning triangle, a torch,
jump leads, a first-aid kit, and snacks.
- Keep your breakdown service
contact number handy for emergencies.
Pro Tip: Ensure your tyres have a tread depth
of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width. Use a
20p coin to check if the tread depth is sufficient.
Plan Your
Journey
Being
prepared is key for PCO drivers during winter.
- Always have an alternative route
in mind, as your primary route might be unsuitable in extreme weather.
- Download useful driver apps
like Waze,
Zap-Map, BP
Pulse, or Shell
Recharge for navigation and EV charging.
- Allow extra travel time and avoid
rushing.
- Double-check your car’s readiness
before setting off and stay calm throughout your journey.
Pro Tip: Cold weather can reduce the
efficiency of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Precondition your EV to warm the
battery and extend its range.
Safe
Driving in Snow and Ice
Driving on
snow or ice for the first time can be intimidating, but these tips can help:
- Drive slowly and leave more space
between vehicles; stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer on icy
roads.
- Avoid sudden acceleration or
braking; smooth driving helps maintain control on slippery surfaces.
- Use your demister and windscreen
wipers as needed.
- Turn on your headlights for
better visibility. Use fog lights only when visibility drops below 100
meters, and remember to switch them off when conditions improve.
- Stick to main roads whenever
possible, as they are more likely to be cleared and treated.
- Be mindful of pedestrians,
cyclists, and other drivers.
- Stay alert for weather changes
like rain, fog, or wind, which can further complicate driving.
- If you encounter black ice,
remain calm, keep your steering steady, and let the car glide over it
gently.
- In case of getting stuck,
straighten the wheels and place a mat under the driving wheels for better
grip.
- If your vehicle breaks down, turn
on hazard lights immediately.
Pro Tip: Black ice forms at
temperatures around 3°C, not necessarily at freezing point, and is nearly
invisible. Be extra cautious in areas like bridges, tunnels, and untreated
roads.
By following
these guidelines, you can drive confidently and safely during the winter
months.
About
Capital Hire management
Capital Hire
Management Ltd. is London's best PCO car rental company, which provides
top-notch vehicles and exceptional services to professional drivers like you!
If you are looking for affordable car hire for PCO car rental please visit our
website https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/
to explore our latest fleet.
our
excellence is validated by driver ratings on Trustpilot.
we offer access to new or recent model cars along with comprehensive training
and support to enhance your profitability, safety, and overall satisfaction as
an Uber driver.
Visit our London Hub located at 56 High
Street Wealdstone Harrow HA3 7AF, London, reach out via email to us, or give us a
call at 0208426005 to get started.
