DRIVERS face tricky conditions during winter, forcing them to be more aware.
There are specific skills for manual and automatic cars, and here we’ll be focusing on the latter.
Here’s how to make life behind the wheel of an automatic less stressful when the going gets toughAlamy Live News
As Britain faces the possibility of -10 degrees Celcius over the next few days, it will pay to know what you’re doing in the ice and snow.
There are a number of methods to make life behind the wheel of an automatic less stressful when the going gets tough.
Many automatics have a winter driving mode which sets you off in second gear and minimises the chance of wheelspin.
More expensive vehicles could also have a “snow mode” for the cold season, softening power delivery to the wheels.
Yet most automatics have neither of these – and without gears to help you grind through thick snow, driving an automatic in the winter can be daunting.
How should I drive an automatic car in the snow?
Unsurprisingly, there’s no magic bullet to fix the challenges of tricky winter driving.
But there are some ways to take advantage of your automatic’s ease of use, reports Ask the Car Expert.
Driving on fresh snow might seem more difficult as you don’t know what’s underneath, but in reality, it’s a grippier surface than dense trodden snow.
Going easy on the controls from the steering wheel to the brake pedal will also set you in good stead.
Avoiding slamming on the brakes is always sensible, but particularly in winter when there’s less grip.
And always, always corner slowly and carefully.
Is it safer to drive an automatic or manual car in the snow?
In truth, neither an automatic or manual are any safer to drive in the snow.
It’s about the driver – and their ability to read the road surface and act accordingly.
Most good advice applies to both automatic and manual cars, such as cornering carefully and avoiding heavy brake usage where possible.
UK roads rarely become actively dangerous to drive on, but this year looks to be different.
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Am I covered by my insurance when driving in the snow?
We’ve written about this crucial question.
The answer is yes, your car insurance will still be valid if you take it out in the snow — but be warned.
If your insurers believe you have negligently put your car in harm’s way then any claim could be questioned.
Poor driving can still result in rejected claims – and bad weather is no excuse.
Forbes Advisor consumer affairs expert Kevin Pratt told us: “Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks.
“If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced.”
Here are four ways to make sure you’re not breaking the law behind the wheel.
Plus five essentials to pack before braving driving in dangerous weather.
And here are our Sun Savers top tips for saving cash by making sure your car is winter-ready.