The festive season brings anticipation and joy, but it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to driving. Snowfall can make driving a Warrington hire van a real challenge during Christmas time. If you are thinking of hiring a Warrington hire van this Christmas, it’s crucial to be prepared for winter driving conditions. Here are some essential tips that can help you navigate snowy roads safely.
Preparing for Snowy Conditions
When hiring a van, especially during the winter months, one of the first things to consider is your footwear. Wearing dry and comfortable footwear is essential. This can help you maintain good traction when entering and exiting the vehicle, and when operating the pedals inside the van. Make sure to wear shoes that provide grip to ensure you do not slip in the snow.
Gentle Acceleration and Speed Control
One of the most important techniques for driving a Warrington hire van this Christmas is to accelerate more gently than usual. This will help reduce the likelihood of wheel spin on icy surfaces. Try to use lower revs and shift to a higher gear as soon as you can – this will assist in providing greater stability.
Setting off in second gear is an excellent practice to adopt as it reduces the chances of the wheels spinning. Maintaining a low speed is crucial when driving on snowy or icy roads. Keep a safe stopping distance between your van and the vehicle in front; aim for a gap up to 10 times larger than you would during normal conditions. This additional space gives you more time to react to any potential hazards.
Managing Hills and Inclines
Driving on hills can be particularly tricky in winter conditions. Prepare for driving up a hill by leaving enough space in front of you. It’s vital to maintain a constant speed without changing gears partway up the incline. Using a low gear for descending hills is generally recommended, and it’s advisable to avoid using brakes unless absolutely necessary. Instead, utilise engine braking by gently lifting your foot from the accelerator.
Navigating Turns Safely
When approaching a bend during snowy conditions, it’s important to slow down before you start turning the steering wheel. This can significantly reduce the chances of skidding. In the event that your van does lose grip, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas and point your wheels in the direction you wish to go. If you find your Warrington hire van skidding, steer gently into the skid. For example, if the rear of the van is sliding to the left, steer to the left to regain control.
Enhancing Visibility
Visibility can become significantly reduced during heavy snowfall. Ensure that you use dipped headlights to improve your visibility for yourself and other drivers. If visibility drops below 100 metres, turn on your fog lights, but remember to switch them off as soon as visibility improves.
Be cautious of driving in the wheel tracks left by other vehicles, as these areas can be more slippery than fresh, powdery snow. Always keep an eye out for changing conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.
The Importance of Sunglasses
One often overlooked tip for driving in snowy conditions is wearing sunglasses. These can be incredibly helpful in reducing glare from the sun reflecting off the snow. Protecting your eyes will not only improve your vision but enable you to see and respond to changing road conditions more effectively.
Driving a Warrington hire van this Christmas amidst snowfall can be daunting, but with the right preparation and techniques, it can also be manageable. By following these tips, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving experience during the festive period. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, accelerate gently, maintain a safe distance, manage hill climbs and descents carefully, and keep your visibility clear. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be prepared to tackle the snowy roads with confidence. Happy holidays and safe travels!
Christmas Driving – 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 Christmas Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens call us today to check availability.
