Winter roads: protect your car, your safety — and your time
January can be one of the toughest months for driving in the UK. Colder temperatures, wet roads, grit and hidden ice all add up — and the impact isn’t just safety-related. Winter conditions can accelerate wear on tyres, brakes, paintwork and underbody components, which matters even more for higher-value vehicles.
Below are a few simple steps to reduce the risk of an accident, avoid breakdowns, and keep your car looking and performing its best. A few of these suggestions may seem obvious, but when driving conditions change quickly, it’s often the basics that make the biggest difference. We hope these tips provide a useful reminder for safer and more carefree winter driving.
Winter driving isn’t just slower — it’s different
Even if you’ve driven for years, winter surfaces behave differently. The key is driving in a way that protects grip.
A surprising stat to keep in mind;
The Highway Code warns stopping distances on icy roads can increase by up to 10 times compared with dry conditions — meaning the gap you normally leave may not be enough.
Best practice:
- Brake earlier and more gently
- Avoid sharp acceleration
- Leave more space (especially on motorways where speeds are higher)
Many luxury and sports models are rear-wheel drive and often sit on wider performance tyres — which can lose traction faster on cold surfaces. Driving smoothly helps stability systems work effectively.
Tyres: the #1 cause of winter breakdowns
Tyre issues are consistently reported as the most common cause of winter breakdowns in the UK, and the number of tyre-related breakdowns rose again year-on-year according to recent winter data.
Quick January tyre checklist (takes 60 seconds)
- Pressure: check weekly in colder weather (temperature drops reduce pressure)
- Tread depth: legal minimum is 1.6mm, but grip worsens well before this
- Sidewall damage: look for bulges or cuts — especially with low-profile tyres
Winter tyres aren’t just for snow
Many drivers assume winter tyres are only useful in snow — but most of their benefit comes from temperature, not snow.
Michelin and other tyre manufacturers recommend winter tyres once temperatures fall below 7°C, because summer tyres begin to stiffen and lose grip.
Winter tyres can help with:
- Shorter braking distances
- Better grip in cold wet conditions
- Reduced risk of aquaplaning
If you don’t want to swap tyres seasonally, all-season tyres can be a strong compromise for UK winters — particularly for drivers doing regular commuting miles.
Road salt: the hidden factor that damages cars
Gritting keeps roads safer, but salt is highly corrosive — particularly on:
- Brake components
- Suspension arms
- Alloy wheel finishes
- Underbody panels
Studies estimating the cost of corrosion linked to de-icing salt have put it in the tens of millions of pounds per season when applied at scale, showing how significant salt damage is nationally. starconference.org.uk
The easiest protection:
Wash your car regularly in winter — especially wheel arches and underbody
Don’t forget alloys (salt + brake dust is a harsh combination)
Tip: If temperatures are sub-zero, wait until the next warmer day to wash — otherwise water can freeze in seals and locks.
Battery + electronics: winter’s most common “no start” problem
Cold weather reduces battery performance, and modern cars draw more power than ever — alarms, trackers, keyless entry, remote apps, heated seats and screens.
Avoid being caught out:
- If you do short trips often, consider a monthly longer drive
- Keep a jump pack in the boot (they’re now very compact)
If parked for long periods, a trickle charger can protect battery health
Plan ahead for winter journeys (and avoid the preventable)
A few minutes of preparation can save hours of inconvenience.
Before you set off:
- Check the forecast
- Fully clear windows, mirrors and lights
- Keep washer fluid topped up (winter-grade)
Keep a winter kit in the car:
- De-icer + scraper
- Blanket / gloves
- Phone charging cable
- Water + snack
- Torch
- Jump leads or portable jump starter
Final thought
Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful — a few small changes can make your journeys safer, protect your car’s condition, and reduce the risk of breakdowns during January’s toughest conditions.
Wishing you safe and smooth motoring this winter.
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