Driving in snow or on ice carries significant risks, and avoiding travel is always the safest option. When a journey cannot be avoided, it is important that steps are taken to ensure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
Forward planning and preparation are key, and ways to prepare include:
🗸 Service your vehicle in advance of the winter period.
🗸 Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, even marginal over or under-inflation can make it more dangerous when braking and steering.
🗸 1.6mm is the minimum legal tyre tread depth for a car and light van, at least 3mm of tread is however recommended for driving in snow and ice.
🗸 Clean and clear the windscreen, side windows, rear window and external mirrors. The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility.
🗸 Check lights are working and clear of snow.
🗸 Keep the screen wash reservoir topped up and use the appropriate anti-freeze at the right concentration. Ensure nozzles are clear.
🗸 Make sure the de-mister is working.
🗸 Ensure the windscreen wipers are working. If there is a risk of windscreen wipers freezing overnight, put cardboard between the blades and the windscreen.
🗸 Keep the fuel tank topped up.
🗸 Check the oil level.
🗸 Electric car (EV) drivers be aware that lithium-ion batteries drain faster when temperatures are low. EV drivers should therefore factor in more stops at EV charging points.
🗸 If possible, keep an EV in a garage or under a cover, as this will help improve battery performance.
🗸 Clear the roof and bonnet of snow before driving.
🗸 Carry a spade, de-icer and scraper, blanket, fully charge mobile phone, personal medication, a warm drink and emergency food.
🗸 Wear a warm waterproof coat, hat, scarf, gloves and sturdy footwear.
Please – Don’t get caught out!!
Further guidance on motor fleet risk management is available via RMworks, the online risk management portal available to all clients of Griffiths & Armour.
To find our more about how Griffiths & Armour can help support your business, please get in touch.
Whilst care has been taken in the production of this article and the information contained within it has been obtained from sources that Griffiths & Armour, an Aon company believes to be reliable, Griffiths & Armour, an Aon company does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of the article or any part of it and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way whatsoever by any person who may rely on it. In any case any recipient shall be entirely responsible for the use to which it puts this article.This article has been compiled using information available to us up to 20 November 2025
