How to drive in snow: complete winter guide [2026]

How to Drive in Snow: Complete Winter Driving Safety Guide

Essential advice for driving in the snow, ice, and challenging winter conditions

When winter weather strikes the UK, knowing how to drive in snow safely becomes essential for every driver. Whether you're facing your first winter behind the wheel or looking to improve your technique, understanding what should you do when driving in snowy conditions can prevent accidents and keep you moving confidently throughout the winter months.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic winter driving tips to advanced techniques for driving in icy conditions, helping you master winter roads safely and effectively.

How to drive in snow: essential info every driver should know

How to drive in snow effectively requires completely different techniques than normal driving conditions. Winter driving isn't simply about reducing speed—it demands fundamental changes to how you approach acceleration, braking, steering, and journey planning.

What should you do when driving in snowy conditions?

Preparation starts before you touch the steering wheel. Check weather forecasts, clear all snow on vehicles completely, and allow extra journey time. Winter driving advice consistently emphasizes that preparation prevents the majority of winter driving problems.

Is it safe to drive in snow? This depends entirely on conditions, vehicle preparation, and driving technique. Light snow with proper preparation can be manageable, while heavy snow, ice, or unprepared vehicles create genuinely dangerous situations requiring careful judgment.

The key to successful winter driving lies in understanding that physics changes dramatically when temperatures drop and precipitation increases traction challenges.

Understanding winter stopping distances

Critical stopping distance facts

Stopping distance in snow becomes your most important calculation for safe winter driving. Braking distance in snow typically increases 3-4 times compared to dry conditions, while stopping distance in ice can increase stopping distances by up to 10 times normal.

How much can stopping distance increase in icy conditions?

In severe ice conditions, stopping distances can increase from 96 feet at 70mph to over 960 feet—nearly 10 times longer. Understanding stopping distance in icy conditions prevents the overconfidence that causes winter accidents.

Braking distance on ice varies depending on ice thickness and surface temperature, but even thin ice can make icy road stopping distance calculations critical for safety. Time gap between cars on icy road should increase from normal 2-3 seconds to 6-10 seconds in snow and 20-30 seconds in severe ice conditions.

Keep practical distance

Icy road distance requirements might seem excessive, but they reflect the physics of winter driving. When driving on ice, assume worst-case scenarios for following distance calculations—it's better to maintain excessive distance than discover insufficient stopping capability.

Stopping distance in snow calculations should account for:

Vehicle weight and brake condition
Tyre tread depth and type
Road surface temperature
Snow depth and consistency
Traffic density and escape routes

What to do when driving in snowy conditions: step-by-step checklist

Pre-journey winter checklist

What should you do when driving in snowy conditions begins with thorough preparation:

Check weather conditions - Monitor forecasts and road treatment reports
Clear snow completely - Remove all snow on vehicles from roof, windows, lights, and number plates
Plan extra time - Allow 50-100% additional journey time
Check fuel/charge - Maintain tank above half-full or battery above 50%
Inspect tyres - Ensure adequate tread depth (minimum 3mm for winter)
Test systems - Verify lights, wipers, and heating function properly
Pack emergency kit - Include warm clothing, food, water, and torch

Active winter driving techniques

What should you do when driving in snowy conditions?

Speed Management:

Reduce speed by 50% or more depending on conditions
Best way to drive in snow involves maintaining steady, conservative speeds
Avoid sudden acceleration that causes wheel spin

Distance Management:

Triple following distances in light snow
Increase to 10 times normal distance on ice
Allow extended stopping distances for traffic lights and junctions

Steering and Control:

Make gentle, deliberate steering inputs
Avoid sudden movements that can trigger skids
Keep movements smooth and progressive

Driving an Automatic in Snow

Automatic benefits for winter driving

Driving an automatic in snow offers several advantages over manual transmission vehicles. Driving in snow automatic transmission systems eliminate stalling risks and gear selection errors during critical moments when concentration should focus on road conditions rather than transmission management.

How to drive in snow in an automatic car becomes simpler because the transmission handles power delivery automatically. Most modern automatics include features specifically beneficial for winter conditions. For professional drivers considering vehicle options for PCO work, automatic transmissions provide consistency that's particularly valuable during challenging winter conditions.

Automatic Winter Features

Driving an automatic in snow with modern vehicles often includes:

Winter/Snow Mode: Many automatics offer winter driving modes that start in second gear to reduce torque and minimize wheel spin. These modes adjust shift patterns for gentler power delivery.

Manual Override: How to drive in snow in an automatic car with manual modes involves using gear selection to maintain engine braking on hills and reduce power delivery when traction is limited.

Electronic Controls: Modern automatic transmissions integrate with stability control and traction management systems to optimize power delivery for challenging conditions.

Advanced winter driving techniques

Reading road conditions

Driving in icy conditions requires constant surface assessment. Black ice forms predictably in specific locations:

Shaded areas receiving no direct sunlight
Bridge surfaces that freeze before road surfaces
Intersections where vehicles stop and start frequently
Areas where water accumulates and freezes overnight

Winter driving tips include understanding that fresh snow often provides better traction than packed snow or ice. Avoid following exactly in other vehicles' tracks on ungritted roads, as compressed snow becomes more slippery than fresh powder.

Hill driving strategies

Driving during snow on hills requires specific techniques:

Approach hills with steady speed rather than accelerating on the slope
Maintain consistent accelerator pressure climbing hills
Use engine braking descending rather than excessive brake pressure
If losing traction climbing, avoid continuing to spin wheels
Reverse carefully down hills if unable to proceed safely

Professional winter driving considerations

For PHV and taxi drivers, delivery professionals, and other PCO operators, winter driving becomes both a safety and business consideration. Is it safe to drive in snow becomes a judgment affecting both safety and earnings potential.

PCO and PHV drivers should establish clear criteria for when conditions become too dangerous for operation in London. Consider passenger safety, insurance implications, and liability when making operational decisions during severe weather.

Understanding how much PCO drivers can earn in different conditions helps balance safety with business decisions.

For those considering professional driving, understanding PCO licence requirements and renewal processes becomes important, as winter driving capability can affect professional driving opportunities. Additionally, being aware of health conditions that must be declared to DVLA ensures you're medically cleared for professional driving in challenging conditions.

Vehicle considerations for Uber driving

In the main, Uber drivers benefit from vehicles with:

All-wheel drive or advanced traction control
Good heating systems for passenger comfort
Reliable starting in cold conditions
Adequate storage for emergency equipment

Modern electric vehicles increasingly meet these requirements while offering additional advantages like instant torque control and sophisticated traction management systems. For professional drivers, understanding different Uber vehicle categories can help identify which winter driving capabilities open up additional earning opportunities.

Airport and long-distance winter driving

Professional drivers frequently handle airport runs during winter weather, making winter driving skills particularly valuable. Understanding costs like Heathrow drop-off charges, Gatwick drop-off charges, Stansted drop-off charges, and Luton drop-off charges helps plan routes that account for winter driving time extensions.

Technology and winter driving safety

Vehicle safety systems

Understanding how modern safety systems work enhances winter driving capability:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking): Prevents wheel lockup but doesn't reduce stopping distances on ice. Allows steering control during hard braking.

Traction Control: Prevents wheel spin during acceleration by reducing power or applying brakes to spinning wheels.

Electronic Stability Control: Helps maintain intended direction by selectively braking individual wheels and reducing engine power.

All-Wheel Drive: Provides power to all wheels for improved traction, particularly beneficial in snow conditions.

Modern technology enhances winter driving planning and safety:

Weather apps with road condition updates
Traffic applications showing accident reports and delays
Local authority gritting schedules via social media
Breakdown assistance apps for emergency situations

Professional drivers should also stay informed about TfL PCO licence updates and regulatory changes that might affect winter operation requirements.

Preparing for emergencies

Essential emergency kit items

Car in snow emergencies require comprehensive preparation:

Warm clothing and blankets
Emergency food and water (24-48 hour supply)
Torch with spare batteries
Phone chargers (12V adapter and portable battery)
First aid kit and essential medications
Emergency triangle and high-visibility clothing
Ice scraper, de-icer, and small snow shovel
Traction aids (sand, cat litter, or traction mats)

For professional drivers, understanding accident procedures becomes even more critical during winter conditions when accidents are more likely and emergency response may be delayed.

Communication and safety protocols

Establish emergency communication plans:

Inform others of planned routes and expected arrival times
Maintain emergency contact lists including breakdown services
Understand local emergency service contact procedures
Keep mobile devices charged with emergency backup power

Vehicle preparation and maintenance

Tyre strategy for winter driving

Winter driving advice emphasises tyres as the foundation of winter capability:

All-Season Tyres: Provide year-round capability with improved winter performance compared to summer tyres. Suitable for mild winter conditions and occasional snow.

Winter Tyres: Designed specifically for temperatures below 7°C with specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns. Significantly improve traction in snow and ice.

Tyre Condition: Maintain minimum 3mm tread depth for winter driving. Check pressures regularly as cold weather reduces tyre pressure.

Fluid and battery maintenance

Prepare vehicle systems for winter operation:

Top up antifreeze in windscreen washer systems
Check battery condition—cold weather significantly reduces battery performance
Ensure cooling system antifreeze provides adequate freeze protection
Test heating and defrosting systems thoroughly

Professional drivers should ensure their vehicles meet essential PCO car requirements year-round, with particular attention to winter-specific maintenance needs.

Modern EV advantages for winter driving

Electric and hybrid benefits

Modern electric vehicles offer specific winter driving advantages:

Instant torque delivery provides excellent control for snow driving
Sophisticated traction control systems with individual wheel management
Low center of gravity from battery placement improves stability
Quiet operation reduces driver stress in challenging conditions
Consistent power delivery eliminates engine hesitation

For those considering electric vehicles for professional use, understanding EV charging costs and maximising EV efficiency becomes important for winter operation planning.

Advanced driver assistance systems

Modern EV vehicles include systems that enhance winter driving safety:

Automatic emergency braking with weather condition detection
Lane-keeping assistance for maintaining direction in poor visibility
Adaptive cruise control that maintains safe following distances
Blind spot monitoring particularly valuable in winter weather conditions

Learning winter driving skills in London as a PHV driver

Practice and skill development

Winter driving tips for skill building include:

Practice in safe environments like empty car parks during light snow
Understand your specific vehicle's behavior in slippery conditions
Learn emergency maneuvers in controlled settings as tese can vary for EVs compared to ICE vehicles
Develop familiarity with local winter weather patterns

Continuous learning

Stay informed about winter driving through:

Advanced driving courses including winter technique instruction
Local weather pattern understanding for your area
Road treatment schedules and priority route information
Vehicle-specific winter feature operation and optimisation

For professional drivers, this includes staying current with licensing requirements and understanding how winter performance affects professional driving opportunities.

Key considerations in winter conditions

Cost-benefit analysis

Winter driving involves economic calculations:

Fuel or energy costs increase in cold weather
Vehicle wear accelerates in winter conditions
Emergency equipment represents upfront investment
Insurance considerations for weather-related incidents
Opportunity costs of avoiding travel versus safety risks

PHV and PCO driver considerations

For PHV drivers, winter capability affects earnings:

Increased demand during weather events
Higher rates during challenging conditions
Reduced competition when other drivers cannot operate
Customer loyalty for reliable service in all weather

Understanding different earning opportunities and how to maximise driver ratings becomes particularly important when winter weather affects normal driving patterns.

Urban winter driving challenges

London-specific

City winter driving presents unique challenges:

Congestion charge implications during weather events
Understanding London driving charges when routes change due to weather
Limited parking during snow clearance operations
Public transport disruption increasing road traffic
PHV driver demand increases during weather events

For drivers, understanding PCN fines and hotspots becomes even more important when winter weather forces route changes that might lead to unfamiliar areas with parking restrictions.

When NOT to Drive: Recognising Dangerous Conditions

Condition Assessment

Whether it's safe to drive in snow requires honest assessment:

Dangerous Conditions Include:

Will your passengers be safe
Severe ice with temperatures well below freezing
Heavy snowfall reducing visibility below 50 meters
Strong winds creating blowing snow and whiteout conditions
Official travel warnings from weather authorities
Flooding combined with freezing temperatures

Personal Limitation Recognition

Understand personal limits honestly:

Experience level with winter conditions
Vehicle preparation and equipment adequacy
Health conditions affecting reaction time or concentration
Stress or fatigue reducing decision-making capability
Available time for safe travel without rushing

Alternative transportation strategies to keep you earning

Multi-platform opportunities

When winter conditions limit traditional driving, PCO drivers might consider diversifying with delivery opportunities or understanding how to become an Amazon Flex driver for different winter earning strategies.

Understanding Uber Eats driver requirements can provide alternative income during severe weather when passenger transport becomes impractical but food delivery remains in demand.

Vehicle finance or Rent-to-Buy?

For those considering vehicle upgrades or PCO driving entry, understanding car subscription versus finance options becomes important when factoring winter performance requirements.

No-deposit car subscription options can provide access to winter-capable vehicles without large upfront investments, while rent-to-own programs offer paths to vehicle ownership that include winter-ready vehicles.

Safe winter driving will improve your earnings

Learning how to drive in snow successfully requires understanding that winter driving represents a completely different skill set than normal conditions. What should you do when driving in snowy conditions fundamentally comes down to preparation, technique, and conservative decision-making that prioritises safety over speed, especially as an Uber driver.

Stopping distance in snow and stopping distance in ice calculations must become instinctive, informing every decision about following distances and speed selection. Understanding how much can stopping distance increase in icy conditions prevents the overconfidence that leads to winter accidents.

Driving an automatic EV in snow provides advantages for many drivers, but success in driving in icy conditions ultimately depends on technique, preparation, and appropriate equipment regardless of transmission type.

Winter driving skills develop through education, practice, and experience. Start conservatively, practice in safe environments, and gradually build confidence as winter vehicle behavior understanding improves.

Remember that no appointment, delivery, or journey is worth compromising safety. When conditions become dangerous, the best winter driving advice is often to delay travel until conditions improve, even if it means missing potential passengers.

At Splend, we understand that professional drivers need vehicles that perform reliably in all weather conditions. Our modern electric fleet offers advanced traction control, instant torque delivery, and sophisticated stability systems that excel in challenging winter conditions. With comprehensive maintenance programs ensuring year-round readiness and 24/7 support for weather-related issues, Splend drivers can focus on safe, professional operation throughout winter months.