How to drive an automatic car in the snow

Even the most experienced driver might be challenged by wintertime snowy conditions.

Both manual and automatic cars require different abilities, and we’ll be concentrating on the latter today.

Bracing the cold

Knowing how to deal with ice and snow when driving can be beneficial as Britain transitions into the winter months.

There are several ways to get the most of your automatic car, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.

A winter driving mode on many automatics puts you in second gear and reduces the possibility of wheelspin.

In order to provide a smooth and safe ride during the winter, more costly cars may additionally incorporate a “snow mode” that softens power delivery to the wheels.

Driving an automatic in the winter can be fairly intimidating because most of them lack both of these features, as well as gears that would enable you to push through deep snow.

Where there’s a wheel there’s a way

Sadly, we have no control over the weather, but we can learn how to drive in the winter.

There are a few methods to make the most of your automatic; you don’t have to overthink shifting gears; you can let your automobile handle it.

You’ll also be better off if you take it easy on the brake pedal and steering wheel adjustments.

It’s wise to avoid applying the brakes too hard, especially during the winter months when there is less traction.

Additionally, in order to enhance your braking distance, always, always round corners slowly and cautiously, leaving twice the normal distance from the automobile in front of you.

Ten times rule

Drivers are advised by Autotrader to drive extra carefully in cold weather and to keep in mind the Ten Times rule.

Ice can increase stopping distances by up to ten times, which is how the rule got its name.

This implies that it will take a lot longer to stop your motor than it would at the same speed in less snowy conditions.

The RAC estimates that a family car’s stopping distance on a dry road at 30 mph is 75 feet, and at 70 mph, it is 315 feet.

This might rise to 750 feet and 3150 feet, respectively, according to the Ten Times rule.

This implies that stopping your car from 70 mph could take up to half a mile.

What’s the difference?

In actuality, it is not safer to drive a manual or an automatic in the snow.

It all comes down to the driver’s ability to read the road surface and adjust their behavior accordingly.

The finest tips, such being cautious when cornering and avoiding excessive braking when feasible, are applicable to both manual and automatic vehicles.

Although active snowfall is uncommon on UK roadways, 2024 appears to be an exception.

Insurance cover

This important question has been covered in our writing.

Yes, your auto insurance will still cover you if you drive your vehicle in the snow, but proceed with caution.

Any claim may be contested if your insurers think you have carelessly put your vehicle in danger.

Bad weather is not an excuse for poor driving, which can still lead to claims being denied.

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.

Your claim may be contested and any payout lowered if your insurance provider can demonstrate that you were partially at fault.

If drivers take the necessary precautions, driving during a weather warning won’t automatically void your coverage.

A statement from the AA said: Yes, you can drive during any weather warning, be it red, amber or yellow.

But the aim is to make you aware of the risks and their likelihood so that you can plan ahead.

“Your insurance provider won’t invalidate your policy just because you had to drive in heavy snow or strong winds.

If your car is taxed, has a valid MOT and is insured, you’re legal for being on the road.”

Ten things YOU should know as a car owner

To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:

• When is your MOT due?

  Find out here

• When is your car tax due? Find out here
• Is it illegal to drive barefoot?

• How many units

  can you drink and drive?

• What do

  dashboard warning lights

  mean?

• Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
• Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
• How to change the address on your driving licence
• What does MOT stand for?
• Is it illegal to

  park across someone’s driveway?

Top tips

Here are four ways to make sure you’re not breaking the law behind the wheel.

Plus five essentials to pack beforebraving driving in dangerous weather.

Here are five tips on how to exercise caution when driving on icey roads, as well as how to ensure your car is equipped to manage the snowy weather conditions:

• Check your air pressure and tread depth
• De-ice your car
• Increase your stopping distance
• Reduce your speed
• Stick to local/familiar roads where you can

Other essential tips for drivers include, carrying awinter kitin your boot.

Pack your winter kit with with essentials like a tow bar, jumper, and torch in the unfortunate event that you might need it.

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It is also worth considering fitting winter tyres.

Winter tyres have deeper treads and are better equipped to handle snow and ice.

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