Best Practices for Driving in Winter
Jason Barker • November 1, 2023
Driving in winter can be a challenge and we often see an increased number of incidents in the colder months due to icy roads, reduced visibility and other weather-related hazards.
To stay safe while driving in winter conditions, we recommend the following:
- Check the weather – Ahead of your journey, always check the weather forecast and road conditions. This gives you the opportunity to make additional preparations or postpone your journey if required.
- Clear snow and/or ice – In more extreme weather conditions, it is important that you clear all snow and ice from the vehicle, including windows, mirrors, headlights and brake lights. This prevents snow coming off your vehicle in front of you or other drivers, whilst also bettering your visibility.
In addition, modern vehicles rely on sensors mounted on the vehicle exterior for advanced safety systems, such as autonomous braking, among others. These sensors must therefore be free from road dirt, snow and ice. - Increase your distance – You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. You require a larger stopping distance on slippery roads, so this extra space can help you avoid collisions.
- Adopt a smoother driving style – In ice especially, you should avoid sudden braking, which can cause skidding. Instead, you should brake early and gently. Engine braking may also help, which is the process of slowing the car down by releasing the accelerator and shifting down through the gears, rather than using the footbrake. You should also avoid sudden steering movements.
- Carry additional supplies – Extreme weather conditions can lead to an increase in road accidents, which may mean you get stuck in traffic for extended periods of time. You should keep additional supplies in your vehicle, such as blankets, snacks, water, additional clothing and a torch. It is also important to ensure you have a full tank of fuel, or full charge if you have an electric vehicle.
Most of all, it’s important to act with caution and patience in extreme winter weather conditions. Your safety and the safety of other road users is of the highest importance.
Does Buying a Used Car from a Business That Also Carries Out Accident Repairs Mean It Has Been Accident Damaged?
We’re incredibly proud to announce that CARS of Grimsby has been shortlisted in three categories at the Greener Bodyshop Awards 2026
CARS of Grimsby now offers quality used cars and vans for sale, backed by years of trusted vehicle repair experience and customer care.
Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we pride ourselves on the service received by our customers. Each vehicle we sell meets our quality standards; each customer journey is seamless and stress-free.
Most people buying a used car look at the mileage, service history and overall condition. We look much deeper. Years of repairing accident damaged vehicles has trained our eyes to spot things that many people would never notice. Subtle differences in paint finish, panel gaps, replacement panels, poor welding or signs of previous structural repairs can all reveal a vehicle's past, even when that damage has never appeared on an insurance database or history check.
When you work with vehicles every day, you quickly learn what separates a great used car from a poor one.
For many years, CARS of Grimsby has supported motorists with trusted accident repair and vehicle care services. As a family owned and run business, we have always believed that great service comes down to doing the job to the best of our ability, communicating honestly and treating every customer as an individual. Those values have helped us build strong relationships with motorists, insurers and businesses, and they remain just as important to us today. Now, we are preparing to begin an exciting new chapter. Decades of Accident Repair Experience in Grimsby CARS of Grimsby is best known as an established and multi-award-winning accident repair centre, helping customers get back on the road following everything from minor bumps to more significant damage. That work has given our team a detailed and thorough understanding of vehicles and their condition. When you spend years repairing bodywork, checking panel alignment and assessing previous damage, you learn to notice the details that may not always be obvious at first glance. You also learn how important quality, safety and honesty are to motorists. Our team has developed this knowledge through experience, ongoing training and working with a wide range of vehicles over many years. It is experience we are proud of, and it will remain at the heart of the next chapter of CARS of Grimsby.
Had an accident and not sure what happens next? You’re not alone.
At CARS of Grimsby, our friendly team are on hand to offer honest advice and guidance throughout the insurance claims process. We’ll help you understand your options, and explain what you do (and don’t) have to do after an accident.
In May, the team attended the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The CARS team was awarded the Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award.
CARS of Grimsby celebrates three Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards nominations, recognising leadership, business growth and employee success in 2025.
