General maintenance Winter Driving Guide: Staying Safe in Icy & Snowy UK Conditions

1. Before You Set Off (This Matters Most)​

Check the weather

• Look at both the forecast and the temperature.
• Ice can form even when the air temperature is above zero, especially on bridges and shaded roads.

Clear the whole car

You must be able to see clearly.

• Clear all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
• Snow left on the roof can slide onto your windscreen when braking.

Tyres make the biggest difference

• Check tread depth (legal minimum is 1.6mm - more is better in winter).
• Check tyre pressures (cold weather lowers pressure).
• If you regularly drive in winter conditions, winter tyres offer far more grip below 7°C.

Carry a basic winter kit

Especially useful on longer journeys:

• De-icer and scraper (watch out, scrapers can damage your glass)
• Warm clothing and gloves
• Torch
• Phone charger
• Blanket and water
  

2. Understanding Grip on Ice & Snow​

Ice provides very little grip. Snow can sometimes offer slightly more grip, but only with smooth driving.

Modern safety systems (ABS, traction control, ESC) help, but they cannot overcome the laws of physics. Grip always comes down to tyres and road conditions.

3. How to Drive on Icy Roads​

Pull away gently

• Use a very light throttle.
• In manual cars, pull away in second gear if possible.
• Avoid wheelspin – it reduces control.

Slow everything down

• Accelerate slowly
• Brake earlier and more gently
• Leave a much larger gap to the car in front (up to 10 times the normal distance)

Steering

• Make smooth, gradual movements.
• Sudden steering inputs can cause a skid.

If the car starts to skid

• Ease off the pedals.
• Steer into the skid (towards where the front of the car needs to go).
• Don’t slam the brakes.

4. Driving in Snow​

Keep momentum – carefully

• Maintain a steady speed on hills.
• Avoid stopping partway up if you can safely continue.

Braking

• Brake early and gently.
• Let ABS do the work – don’t pump the brakes.

Visibility

• Use dipped headlights in falling snow.
• Keep washer fluid topped up – winter roads are filthy.

5. Drive Modes (CUPRA & SEAT)​

If your car has selectable drive modes:

• Use Comfort or Eco in winter.
• Avoid Sport / CUPRA modes on icy roads.
• Softer throttle response makes the car easier to control.

6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD / AWD): What It Really Means​

Some models are fitted with 4WD / AWD (often called 4Drive). This can help, but it has limits.

What 4WD helps with

• Pulling away on snow or ice
• Maintaining traction on slippery inclines
• Reducing wheelspin when accelerating gently

What 4WD does NOT help with

• Braking
• Stopping distances
• Cornering grip on ice

A common myth is: “I’ve got four-wheel drive, I’ll be fine.” 4WD helps you go, not stop.

Best advice

Drive a 4WD car exactly the same way as a two-wheel drive car in winter:

• Slow down
• Brake early
• Increase the following distances

Tyres still matter more than drivetrain.

7. Electric & Hybrid Cars in Winter​

Electric and hybrid vehicles behave slightly differently in cold weather.

Battery performance

• Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency.
• Expect reduced range, especially on short journeys.
• Pre-heating the car while plugged in helps preserve range.

Regenerative braking

• Regeneration may be reduced or disabled when batteries are cold.
• This can affect how the car slows down during normal driving.
• Be prepared to use the brake pedal more than usual.

Weight and traction

• EVs are heavier due to batteries, which can improve traction when pulling away.
• However, extra weight means longer stopping distances on ice.

Charging considerations

• Charging can be slower in very cold conditions.
• Keep cables free from ice and snow.
• Plan longer trips carefully and allow a buffer in range.
  

8. Motorways & A-Roads​

• Roads may look clear, but still have icy patches.
• Stick to well-gritted lanes where possible.
• Watch for spray freezing on windscreens in extreme cold.

If traffic slows suddenly:

• Reduce speed early
• Briefly use hazard lights if necessary

9. When Not to Drive​

Sometimes the safest option is not driving at all. Avoid travel if:

• There are severe ice or snow warnings
• Roads in your area are untreated
• You feel unsure or inexperienced in winter conditions

No journey is worth damaging your car or risking injury.

10. Common Winter Mistakes​

• Relying on 4WD to save you
• Using cruise control on icy roads
• Pouring hot water on a frozen windscreen
• Assuming the road is safe because it “looks clear”
  

11. Quick Winter Driving Checklist​

Before driving

• Windows, lights and roof clear
• Tyres checked
• Weather checked

While driving

• Smooth steering, braking and acceleration
• Large following distances
• Early braking

If conditions worsen

• Slow down
• Increase gaps
• Turn back if needed

Disclaimer​

The information in this winter driving guide is provided for general guidance only. Driving conditions, vehicle specifications and individual circumstances vary, and no advice can guarantee safety or prevent accidents. SEATCUPRA.NET accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury arising from reliance on this information. Drivers remain responsible for ensuring their vehicle is roadworthy and for driving appropriately for the conditions.