Our partners at Swansway Motor Group have put together their top tips for driving in the snow with the aim of keeping motorists safe in treacherous weather conditions. 

Clear all snow from windows and mirrors

This is a bit of a no-brainer really, but some drivers still set off with just a porthole cleared in the snow on their windscreen. 

It's imperative that all windows and mirrors are clear from snow to ensure the best visibility possible. It also means making sure that the windscreen is ice-free – though it may appear clear, ice can quickly build up if it hasn't been de-iced properly. 

Choose a higher gear to avoid wheel-spin

When temperatures drop and the roads get icy, even four-wheel-drives can struggle for traction. Keeping cars in a lower gear won't help the situation, as it increases engine revs and causes the vehicle's wheels to spin more quickly.

 Selecting a higher gear helps keep wheel-spin to a minimum, allowing a vehicle to more effectively navigate slippery surfaces.

Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions

This takes little explanation. Making sure the vehicle is not travelling too quickly for the conditions MUST take priority when driving in poor conditions. Drive too quickly, and there's a good chance the vehicle could have, or cause, an accident.

 If snow is falling, it's a better option to take things slowly. It means that should the car begin to slide, it'll do so slowly – minimising any potential damage.

 Put a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front

When snow is on the ground, stopping distances go up. With lower traction levels, a car takes a lot longer to come to a halt than when the roads are clear. If a car brakes heavily in front of you and you're too close to the back of it, the chances are you'll skid and come into contact with it.

Keep your distance, and you'll make driving on snow a much safer experience. 

Have supplies at the ready, just in case

Being stuck by the side of the road – or even on the road in some cases – is a possibility.

Food supplies, as well as extra clothing and blankets, are well worth keeping in your car boot if you're heading out on the roads when snow is forecast. A snow shovel – if you can fit in your boot – could also prove invaluable.

If days like this make you question your cars reliability, check out Swansway's recommendations of the best cars for driving in the Winter.