How to drive a manual car in the snow
DRIVING in winter requires more skill and planning from motorists and there are things to remember about driving a manual too.
As Britain faces the possibility of -10 degrees Celcius over the next few days, it will pay to know what you're doing in the ice and snow.
Driving an automatic in the snow is a different challenge, but some tips are useful for all kinds of driving.
They include cornering with care and being light on the accelerator and brakes where possible.
And be warned, your insurance might not cover accidents if your provider thinks you have driven irresponsibly.
How should I drive a manual car in the snow?
According to the , drivers should set off in second gear and change up as soon as they get moving.
READ MORE ON DRIVING IN WINTER
Accelerate gently and use low revs to avoid wheelspin giving you greater control over the car.
Some cars have winter driving modes for this exact reason, but it's easy enough to do it by yourself if you follow our advice.
What gear should I use in the snow?
At the beginning, second.
Then when you get going, shifting up is sensible to prevent wheel slips.
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Be light on the throttle and don't try to rush - you'll be going nowhere.
Always leave plenty of room in front of you when changing gear just in case you feel the car lurch in the snow.
And operate all controls very slowly and carefully.
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More important than which gear you use is actually how you drive altogether, because the right answer is less important than having full control of your vehicle.
When should I use a low gear?
Simply put, when you're going downhill.
That's because braking in a low gear is always quicker - so when the risk of an accident is heightened, a few extra yards could make a huge difference.
But make sure you don't jolt between gears because that can cause the car to lurch.
Other winter driving tips we've recommended include cleaning your windscreen carefully.
That's to keep you safe and potentially save a small fortune in fines, too.
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And as always, do not drink and drive.
Everyone's exact limit is slightly different, but it's definitely better to have none for the road.