
10 Great Tips for Driving in Winter
Ah, winter in the UK. The time of year when the roads are icy, the mornings are frosty, and we all collectively stand around our cars with a kettle (don’t do that, by the way) wondering if we can just call in sick because we can’t face waiting for the car to de-ice again. Winter driving isn’t always fun, but with the right tips and a bit of preparation, you can survive the cold months with your car – and your sanity – intact. Here are 10 tips that'll help you handle winter roads like a pro.
1. Get Your Car Winter-Ready

First things first, give your car a winter health check. That means checking your tyres have good tread (at least 3mm for winter), ensuring your wipers aren’t squeaking like a rusty door hinge, and topping up your screenwash with something that won’t freeze the moment it touches the windscreen.
2. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Boot
(Genuine Toyota Aygo Safety Kit)
We’re not saying you need to prepare for the Arctic, but the UK winter can be unpredictable. Stock your boot with essentials like a first aid kit, a torch, a shovel, and maybe even some snacks. After all, if you’re going to be stuck on the M25 in a blizzard, you might as well have a packet of Jaffa Cakes to keep you going.
3. De-Icing: A Morning Workout You Didn’t Sign Up For
(Winter Car Care Kit & Case)
Every Brit knows the pain of spending 15 minutes scraping ice off the car, only to still be late for work because the traffic is at a standstill. To save time, invest in a proper de-icer spray and scraper. And no, pouring hot water on the windscreen isn’t a life hack – it’s a ticket to a shattered windscreen and regret.
4. Drive Like You’re Carrying an Entire Office's Cuppas

Winter roads demand gentle driving. Accelerate, brake, and steer as if you're trying your best not to spill the tea and coffee. Sudden movements can lead to skidding, which is both terrifying and unhelpful. Slow down and keep your distance from the car in front.
5. Know Your Car’s Winter Features

If your car has a heated windscreen, use it! It’s like having a magical defrosting wizard on hand. Got heated seats? Switch them on and enjoy feeling smug. And don’t forget to enable slippery or icy driving modes if your car has it.
6. Keep Your Fuel Tank Half Full

The RAC recommends keeping your fuel tank at least half full during winter. Why? Because if you get stuck in traffic, you’ll want the option to keep the engine running to stay warm. Plus, who wants to stand in the freezing cold at a petrol station when it’s snowing sideways?
7. Learn to Love the Handbrake (and Hate Cruise Control)

On icy or snowy roads, your handbrake can be your best friend. Use it gently when stopping on a hill instead of relying solely on the footbrake. On the other hand, cruise control is your enemy in winter – turn it off, as it can cause your car to accelerate or decelerate unpredictably on slippery roads.
8. Invest in a Tailored Ice/Snow Windscreen Cover
(Genuine Hyundai Tucson Ice/Sun Screen)
Let’s face it – the worst part of winter mornings is the battle with an icy windscreen while your fingers slowly freeze to the scraper. Save yourself the hassle and invest in a tailored-to-fit windscreen cover. These covers are specifically designed for your car make and model, offering a snug fit and ultimate protection against frost, ice, and snow. Bonus? They’re easy to remove and leave your windscreen clear and ready to go, even on the coldest mornings.
Shop our range of genuine manufacturer accessories for a cover that fits your car perfectly!
9. Clean Your Lights and Mirrors

When the days are dark and the nights are darker, you’ll need all the visibility you can get. Regularly clean your headlights, taillights, and mirrors to ensure they’re free from dirt and grime. Bonus tip: check they’re all working before you hit the road – it’s embarrassing to be “that person” with one headlight out.
10. Embrace the Chaos!
Finally, accept that winter driving in the UK comes with its quirks. The roads might be covered in slush, the journey to work might take twice as long, and your car might refuse to start on the coldest day of the year. But hey, at least we don’t have to drive in polar bear territory like Canada, right?
Winter driving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of preparation, some careful driving, and maybe a few extra alarms to account for de-icing time, you’ll make it through unscathed. And if all else fails? There’s always tea.