Businesses that rely on transportation know that wintry weather introduces serious risks to safety and operations. In fact, there has been a 22% rise in winter breakdowns on UK motorways and major A roads in the last 5 years alone. Snow, icy roads, and poor visibility can lead to delays, breakdowns, and accidents – none of which your team or bottom line can afford.

Managing a logistics fleet, coordinating business travel, or keeping multiple sites open during the winter months all come with added risk. Cold weather, unpredictable road conditions, and the threat of deep snow mean your vehicles and drivers need to be ready for anything. A clear safety plan is needed to keep your operations moving and your people safe.

This AccuGrit guide shares practical, easy-to-follow winter driving advice and safety tips tailored for businesses. With preparation and the right tools, you can keep your team moving and protect your assets all season long.

Preparing Your Vehicles for Winter Roads

Before driving in winter, check that each vehicle in your fleet is ready for cold weather conditions. That starts with regular inspections of the cooling system, battery, tyres, and brake pedal performance.

Equip your fleet with winter tyres, which are designed to provide more grip on icy roads and during prolonged periods of low temperatures. If your business operates in areas with frequent deep snow or steep hills, consider carrying snow chains or snow socks to increase traction and avoid getting stuck.

Your windscreen wipers should be in top condition, and you should use a suitable additive in the washer fluid to prevent freezing. Also, confirm that rear fog lights, brake lights, and dipped headlights are working correctly to improve visibility for other drivers.

Don’t forget to check that the rear wheels and driving wheels have even tyre wear. This helps maintain balance and control when driving on winter roads.

Essential Winter Equipment for Your Fleet

Having the right gear onboard is key to staying safe in adverse weather. Your winter vehicle kit should include the following:

• A first-aid kit
• Ice scraper and de-icer spray
• Snow shovel to clear snow from around the vehicle
• Hot drinks, snacks, and a warm blanket
• A fully charged mobile phone and a backup power bank
• Torch and spare batteries
• Jump leads or a spare battery

A full winter driving kit can help drivers if they become stuck during a storm or get delayed due to bad weather. In some areas, it may also be worth adding snow socks or snow chains for backup on icy or snow-covered roads.

Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

When conditions worsen, your drivers should adapt how they operate the vehicle. Driving in winter is about smooth, controlled actions that avoid panic and maintain traction.

Here are key safety tips:

• Drive slowly and maintain a constant speed. Sudden movements can lead to wheel spin.
• Always be mindful of speed limits. Drive safely and under the speed limit in the snow.
• When starting off, use second gear to reduce torque and improve control.
• Use low gear when driving uphill and the highest gear when driving downhill to limit skidding.
• If your steering feels light, you’re likely on ice, reduce speed and brake gently.
• Avoid braking suddenly and always leave plenty of space between other vehicles.
• Use dipped headlights even during the day to ensure you’re visible to other road users.
• If visibility is especially poor, use fog lights and rear fog lights, but turn them off when visibility improves.

Building a Winter Car Survival Kit for Staff

Every vehicle used for business during winter should carry a winter car survival kit. This kit is your best defence against unexpected delays or breakdowns.

Include:

• Warm clothes and extra socks or gloves
• Food and water
• A first-aid kit
• A torch with spare batteries
• A list of emergency contacts, including breakdown services
• A snow shovel, ice scraper, and de-icing equipment
• Spare windscreen washer fluid with a suitable additive
• A mobile phone charger or power bank

This level of preparation helps your team stay safe during extreme conditions, particularly if weather conditions change rapidly.

Smart Journey Planning in Adverse Weather

The best advice for driving in winter is to plan every journey in advance. Before setting off:

• Check weather forecasts and local traffic reports
• Identify adverse weather conditions along your route
• Factor in extra time to allow for slower travel
• Share your estimated time of arrival with someone
• Choose alternative routes if icy conditions are expected

If snow is forecast or low temperatures are expected overnight, it’s safer to delay your journey where possible. A smart plan reduces stress, limits exposure to risk, and ensures that your drivers drive safely.

What to Do in Low Visibility

Poor visibility during snow or fog can be as dangerous as icy roads. Your drivers should:

• Use fog lights only when needed, switching them off when visibility improves
• Keep all your windows, mirrors, and lights clean
• Avoid using full-beam headlights in snow or fog and stick with dipped headlights
• Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Avoid overtaking unless absolutely necessary

In adverse weather, visibility can drop quickly. Teaching drivers how to read and react to changing conditions is part of your winter safety strategy.

Maintenance to Prevent Breakdowns

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to fail during cold weather. Schedule:

• Regular checks of the brake pedal, tyres, and cooling system
• Winter-specific services, including battery and alternator testing
• Vehicle cleaning routines to remove snow and salt build-up

Some vehicles include a winter mode, which adjusts gear shifting and throttle response for better traction. If available, ensure drivers understand when and how to activate it.

Troubleshooting Common Winter Hazards

Even with planning, breakdowns happen. Common winter vehicle issues include:

Dead Battery: Solved with jump leads or a spare battery

Frozen Windscreen: Use de-icer and warm air to de-ice slowly

Loss of Traction: Apply snow socks, snow chains, or drive in second gear

Skidding: Take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently

Train your team in these basic recovery steps so they can stay calm and in control, even in extreme conditions.

Keeping Your Business Moving with AccuGrit

At AccuGrit, we help businesses stay operational through the toughest winter weather. From icy roads to heavy snow, our gritting and snow-clearing services keep sites accessible and staff safe.

We use real-time weather forecasts, GPS-tracked vehicles, and precision-deployed treatments based on actual road surface data. We tailor our services to meet your safety needs across all types of operations, from car parks and business estates to delivery fleets.

Let us take the guesswork out of winter driving safety. Our team is on hand to help you plan, prepare, and respond to bad weather, so your business never has to stop moving.

Final Thoughts

Navigating winter roads doesn’t need to be a gamble. With the right mix of planning, equipment, and support, your business can face cold weather, snow, and ice with confidence.

Take time to prepare each vehicle, educate drivers, and partner with a trusted winter maintenance provider. Your safety and your business continuity depend on it.

Learn More About Accugrits’ Range of Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best advice for businesses driving in wintry weather?

Plan ahead. Monitor weather forecasts, maintain vehicles, and equip them with winter tyres and a survival kit.

Are snow socks or snow chains better for traction?

Both improve grip, but snow chains offer more control in deep snow and on steep hills, while snow socks are easier to fit for short distances.

Should we always use fog lights in snow?

Use fog lights only when visibility drops below 100m. Don’t forget to switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.

How often should we service vehicles in winter?

Check your fleet before the winter months begin and schedule routine maintenance to spot issues early, especially with the brake pedal, battery, and tyres.

How does AccuGrit help businesses during winter?

We offer 24/7 gritting and snow-clearing, use live weather data for accurate planning, and keep winter roads safe for staff, customers, and visitors.

What should be included in a winter driving policy for businesses?

A winter driving policy should establish clear expectations for safety, vehicle maintenance, and journey planning. It should advise on winter tyres, carrying a driving kit, checking weather forecasts, and avoiding travel in extreme conditions. The policy should also cover emergency contacts, fog light use, and procedures for getting stuck or facing icy roads, maintaining safety standards and compliance with health and safety regulations.