Top Driving Tips

Driving in low winter sun

In winter, low winter sun can often be as dangerous as torrential rain. Here are some tips on driving more safely in the winter sun:

1.Always keep your windscreen clean inside and out, dirt can often make the effects of low winter sun much worse.

2.Be prepared, carry a pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment.

3. Use your car’s sun visors and take extra care when you are driving at sunrise or sunset. 

Driving in the fog

1. Drive slowly and use your fog lights or dipped headlights as necessary. Remember to switch them off when fog clears!

2. Don't drive to closely to the vehicle in front of you - you may be too close.

3. Don't speed up if it seems to be clearing; fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy.

Driving in ice and slush

Ice and slush makes driving particularly hazardous - it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.

1.When driving, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin on ice.2. Manoeuvre gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.3. To brake without locking your wheels, get into low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.4. Take care around maintenance vehicles. Keep a safe distance behind salting lorries and snowploughs - don't attempt to overtake. Watch out for banks of snow thrown up by the plough.5. In really bad snow -don't drive unless absolutely necessary - check weather forecasts and travel information and if possible tell someone what time you expect to arrive. Make sure you're equipped with warm clothing, food, a torch and spade in case you get stuck.

Driving in rain

In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads because your tyres have less grip on the road, always remember to keep well back from the car in front. Here are some top tips to help you drive more safely in wet weather:

1. You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead. 

2. If steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. 

3. The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.

Driving on Flooded Roads

With heavy downpours and flooding throughout the UK, Arnold Clark is providing tips on how to drive more safely on flooded roads.

1. Stay in first gear and drive slowly.

2. If possible drive in the middle of the road to avoid deeper water near the kerb.

3. Remember to test your brakes once you are through the flood before you drive at a normal speed.