Motoring advice

Get a quote for car insurance

Get a quote for car insurance

Find out more about car insurance

Motoring tips

Think like a cub scout ... and be prepared

You need to take extra care driving in winter. Whether it's a short trip or a longer journey, rain, wind, fog, ice and snow can all make driving treacherous - particularly at night.

Above all, make sure you and your car are well prepared - and take heed of weather reports.

• If the forecast or conditions are really bad, only drive if you absolutely have to.
• If you have to drive in atrocious conditions, then follow our top tips and be prepared!

Watch out for you & your car

• DO make sure you have car breakdown cover.

• DO travel with a supply of drinks and snacks.

  • Pack a flask of tea or coffee, chocolates and some warm clothing.
  • Keep you car well ventilated to prevent drowsiness - and take regular breaks!

• DO plan your journey in advance and check for diversions or closures.

  • Keep an up-to-date roadmap in the car.
  • Listen to local road reports using the RDS function on your car radio.
  • Let friends or family know where you are travelling and when you expect to arrive.
  • Keep a fully-charged mobile phone with you in case of breakdown.

• DO make sure your car is well serviced and in good shape for winter driving.

  • Check tyre pressure (spare tyre too!), tread depth and oil is OK.
  • Make sure you have plenty of fuel.
  • Make sure all lights are clean - and your number plate too!
  • Know how to replace a tyre if you have a puncture.
  • Know how the de-mister and heating controls work.

• DO keep the windscreen clean.

  • Check the wiper blades for splits or damage before you travel.
  • Keep a bottle of screenwash in your car.
  • Keep lights clean front and rear.

Watch out in the rain and wind

• DO keep your distance as a wet road means less grip.

  • Braking distances more than double in the wet.
  • Rain and spray makes it hard to see so keep well back.
• DO be prepared for cross-winds on open stretches of road or bridges.

Watch out in snow and ice

• DO clear all snow from the roof and bonnet plus any ice from your windows.

  • Snow on your bodywork can be blown onto your windscreen.
• DO de-mist the windows properly before you drive off.
• DO drive carefully, even if the roads have been gritted.
• DO keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
• DO watch out for gritting lorries or snowploughs.
• DO drive slowly and smoothly through bends where a skid is more likely.

Watch out in fog

Fog can appear quickly and thickly - particularly early in the morning and evening.

• DO switch on your rear fog lights, front ones too if you have them.

  • Remember to turn them off when the fog clears.
• DO keep your distance, watch your speed and use your de-mister and wipers.
• DO check your mirrors before you slow down or manoeuvre.

Get a quote for car insurance

Get a quote for car insurance

Find out more about car insurance

NFPMG6001 06112008