Winter is the riskiest time of year for drivers of Warrington hire vans. Sub-zero temperatures can lead to extremely hazardous road conditions. Stay safe and read our driving a Warrington hire van in ice guide now…
Driving a Warrington Hire van in ice
The key to driving on an icy road is anticipation and smoothness. Look ahead into the middle distance for possible hazards – including ice patches – and keep your speed low. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly to reduce the risk of a skid. Select a higher gear than usual to aid grip on ice – this manages the engine’s delivery of power, and makes it easier to find grip.
What is the braking distance on ice?
Your braking distances increase by ten times on ice compared to in the dry – and a fully laden Warrington Hire Van will already take longer to stop than a car. Your tyres will be gripping less efficiently in the cold so even if there’s no ice visible on the road, you should still take extra care.
What is black ice?
Black ice is a transparent layer of ice on the road’s surface. It can be almost totally invisible, which means it is particularly dangerous. If the temperature is a little above or below zero and the road looks ‘wet’, drive with care – it could well be black ice. If you do hit a patch, don’t panic. Keep your steering wheel straight and stay at a constant speed – whatever you do, never slam on the brakes. Use your gears to slow down gradually if you need to but avoid any sudden movements that could destabilise your van. If you do enter a skid, steer gently into it: if the back of the van is sliding left, you steer to the left.
Van Hire Warrington
Our central Warrington van hire depot is easily accessible by foot from all the main local transportation networks, including the central train station and the bus terminal. If you come by car, we have secure on-site car parking that you can use for the duration of your Warrington van rental period. For Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens call us today to check availability.