Winter driving advice

Read our handy hints to help keep you safe on the roads and avoid breaking down this winter.

Cover for any weather

As it gets colder and darker outside, getting around can become more of a challenge. You need to take extra care on the roads – especially if there’s any snow or ice.

If you do need to brave the wintery conditions, it’s reassuring to know you have the right level of car insurance in place. That’s why we offer three levels of cover, plus optional extras for added peace of mind – including RAC Breakdown Cover. You can take control and we can help.

More about our car insurance

Bank of Scotland Car Insurance is underwritten by a panel of insurers and is arranged and administered by BISL Limited. When getting a quote online you’ll be taken to BISL Limited’s online site with a new privacy and cookie policy.

How to stay safe on the roads this winter

1. Basic motoring maintenance

There are a few things you can do to check that your car is roadworthy in winter.

Car battery

Running heating, windscreen wipers and lights will place greater demand on your car battery in winter. Usually, batteries last between three and five years, so consider whether it’s time for a replacement.

Screen wash

Salt from icy roads can build up on your windscreen over time. You can buy screen wash containing antifreeze to help keep your windscreen clear and your water jets flowing.

Oil

Check your engine oil levels regularly to keep things running smoothly. Too much or too little oil can damage your engine over time.

Antifreeze

It’s essential to keep your antifreeze topped up to maintain your engine’s temperature – and your temperature too, as it’s also responsible for your car’s heater.

A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze in your car’s cooling system will lower the freezing point, protecting your engine during winter.

Tyres

Check your tyres regularly and replace them as they approach the legal minimum tread depth. Tread is especially important to maintain traction on icy roads, so replace any worn tyres. You might even want to think about switching to winter tyres during the coldest months.

Lights

It’s always important to test your lights. They need to be fully functional, so make sure you replace any bulbs that stop working. Lights help you see in the dark and help other drivers see you too.

2. Keep up with your car servicing

It’s important to have your car serviced regularly, in line with the manufacturer’s advice, to keep it running safely. This is usually around every 12,000 miles or once a year – whichever comes first.

A service normally includes a survey of your car’s engine, oil filter, lights, tyres, bodywork, exhaust, brakes, steering, coolant levels, suspension and battery. Basically, all that’s important.

By servicing your car, you’ll:

  • maintain your car’s performance and extend its lifespan
  • reduce the risk of breaking down
  • enhance the fuel economy
  • be able to sell it easier in future.

Check your car’s logbook for the date of your last service. If you’re overdue, your local dealership or garage should be able to help.

3. Your car survival kit

Make sure you’re prepared for winter by keeping these essentials in your car.

  • A fully charged mobile phone and charger/power pack
  • Sunglasses for managing day-time glare
  • An ice scraper and de-icing spray
  • A torch and spare batteries
  • Sat-nav or a roadmap
  • An empty fuel can
  • A first aid kit.

It's also useful to have some of the following in case you have a breakdown and are waiting for help:

  • Warm and waterproof clothing
  • A high-vis fluorescent jacket or vest
  • Reflective warning triangle
  • Sturdy shoes with a good grip
  • A snow shovel
  • A sleeping bag or warm blankets
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Jump leads.

4. Driving safely in winter

  • Go slowly and take your time – factor this into your journey, including de-icing and demisting before you set off
  • Make sure you have enough fuel, accounting for potential delays
  • Drive in a higher gear for better control in icy conditions
  • If you have an automatic gearbox, you may have a recommended winter mode in your vehicle handbook
  • Keep your distance – stopping distances could be 10 times longer in icy conditions
  • Stick to main roads where possible, as they’re more likely to be gritted and kept clear
  • If visibility is poor, use your fog lights. Turn them off again when conditions improve to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic
  • Check you’ve turned off your windscreen wipers when you park so the blades don’t freeze to the screen and damage the wiper motor
  • If you hit a patch of black ice, keep both hands on the wheel. Try to manage your instinct to slam on the brakes. Instead, stay calm and slowly try to steer into the skid.

Insurance and breakdown cover

If you have an accident or your car breaks down, having suitable cover should give you reassurance when you’re out and about. You can purchase breakdown cover on its own, or as part of your insurance policy.

See your insurance options

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Take a closer look at Bank of Scotland Car Insurance​

We can help you find the right level of car insurance to suit your needs. ​ 

Car insurance

Take a closer look at Bank of Scotland Car Insurance​

We can help you find the right level of car insurance to suit your needs. ​ 

Car insurance