There are also some good traction aids that can really help, look up Autosocks..
Below is what I posted on a local Facebook page. Note had I not been away for the weekend I would have been assisting with coordinating the rescue efforts on Saturday and Sunday...My son was out there helping.
Hi All
I missed all the fun of the weekend as I was away, but seeing all the posts made me think that maybe I could pass on some useful advice for those who maybe had a bit of a scary experience driving in the snow. I’ve driven a long way over the years, quite a bit of it in poor weather – snow, fog, heavy rain etc., and have learned quite a few things that might help.
1. Tyres – I’m lucky, my company pays to swap my “summer” standard tyres for full cold weather tyres, but for most that’s a bit of a faff, so when you change your tyres next time, look at “all weather” or “all season” these will work well in winter and summer and give a good compromise on both. That’s what many Police forces run, including I believe Cumbria. I don’t want to get too deep into the science, but “standard” tyres are 10% less efficient at 7 degrees C than above it and get progressively worse as the temperature drops. All Season tyres are good in the cold and the wet, which we get far more of than we do road temperatures of above 50C!
2. If you can’t get all weather tyres for whatever reason, try Autosocks, amazing difference to traction for moving, steering and stopping, dead easy to fit, and will get you home or to a place of safety, available here https://www.roofbox.co.uk/car-snow-socks/watch the video – they really could be a life saver! Dead easy to fit and completely re-usable.
3. Carry a folding shovel – again a Godsend at the right time! also available here https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php/car-specific-accessories/billat_telescopic_snow_shovel_with_icebreaker_blade_gd067/Qx%40w%2C6M42VAwp3%40Rb{~cC4urewtA3c(no I’m not on commission!)
4. Decent screenwash – try to get something rated down to -10C or even -20C there’s nothing quite like being able to see where you’re going and it’s awful when you press your
5. Rain-X or similar rain repellent – put it on side and rear windows and door mirrors (I don’t like the micro-dots it creates on windscreens, especially at night). Dead easy to use, just follow instructions, and it will help massively with visibility, dirt literally wipes off with a sponge and a quick rinse and frost just scrapes off very easily.
6. Remember a decent warm coat, hat & gloves and have a head torch in the glove box, just something to light your way, maybe summon help and allow you to be seen. You could use it on a trudge to safety if you didn’t buy the autosocks! Plus snacks and drink – maybe put a couple of bottles of water in the car with a few snacks nothing worse than being hungry when you’re stuck!
Happy to point people in the right direction if anyone has any questions.