25. UK Winter Driving - How to Drive in Snow, Slush & Typical British Winter Conditions

[@colliecandle]

You didn't clear snow from bonnet which means it will blow back again that cleared windscreen !

[@charlesholland-keen2222]

Excellent advice as usual. I think this should be compulsory viewing viewing. Also I must say watching your videos was a very helpful addition to my preparation for the IAM Roadsmart advanced driving test. I happy to say that I passed. Thanks.

[@dmichaelbetts]

Don't forget to clear the snow from the bonnet. Then there's no risk of snow being blown into your vision.

[@robduncan599]

Correct

[@markjwilcox]

Yep, I thought that too.

[@dj331]

I always put my winters on my A3 end of Oct every year. Live in north wales. I’ve passed suvs stuck on hills in my front wheel drive with winters 😂

[@markjwilcox]

David Jones : I totally agree. I put winters on my C1 every year. They’re not just made for snow!

[@johnmcquay82]

A friend of mine is often in the Scottish Highlands over winter. He uses cross-climate tyres the year round. For the first time over Winter 2019, I fitted them to one of my cars...they're well worth it.

[@joelcrooker2907]

I live in South Wales where it hardly snows, but from October through to March I have my winter wheels and tyres on my 2006 Polo. The difference that winter tyres make in snow is like the difference between going mountain hiking in your slippers vs going mountain hiking in your hiking boots. They should be made a mandatory requirement for all vehicles for UK winter months.

[@blerpii]

pro tip: start the car before wiping off the snow and it will be warm and cozy when you drive off :D

[@JamesBond-is5du]

Thank you for the very informative video, Sir. Please could you do a video on BMW indicators and when to use them, if any? Thank you. :)

[@iTzCorey]

I decided to treat myself to an automatic Ford Focus and its terrible in snow and unlike BMWs etc we have to go into menus to turn TC off and just takes too long but does make a slight difference, also nobody is going to buy a set of winter tyres in the UK where we get snow very rarely then pay a garage to fit them just to have to pay for them to be took off to put your other tyres back on...not unless your loaded! my tyres are all season and cost enough as it is so just try avoiding driving my car in snow all together.

[@GazzaView123]

Good video as always, on local roads to me (A675). Just a couple of points ref the cyclist, you should always give a full lanes width when passing them whether in good conditions or bad, and as for women not riding bikes in this weather...I you'll definitely lose a bet on that one!

[@bdcash]

I have winters on my 330D. Traction was good on the packed snow but most impressive was the braking performance. They seem to dig in. Much better than summers, which seem to float over the snow under braking.

[@agoodm]

BMW heated mirrors, at least on newer models activate automatically as required with the windscreen wipers. Best bet usually is to enable auto wipers if fitted. I tried to get my car off the drive yesterday onto a road covered with about 4 inches of snow, couldnt make the full lock left turn out of my drive way. Today the snow had melted a lot and travel became possible. Also traction control fully off = DSC off, in my m140i I press the switch once to enable DTC (traction optimised stability control) and hold to totally disable the nannies. It didnt help me yesterday though.

[@killerdalek]

I'd like to see you drive a BMW in Sheffield! (7 hills and all that - some of the steepest in the UK!)

[@killerdalek]

They've nearly resurfaced all the roads, as well as replacing all the streetlights with the latest LED types. It's got a lot better, but may have been the worst in Europe a few years ago.

[@zepter00]

BMWs can have X- Drive

[@LOLGotYerTags]

Got one up on you here, one of the passes in cumbria has a 20% gradient and is BRUTAL climbing and descending both ends

[@highdownmartin]

Stroud in Gloucester is Really steep, I drove there a couple of times in February and coming down the hills I was doing about 15 in my landrover, so as not to run away, thinking fook this in the winter!!

[@jackwatsonepic626]

If you get stuck in the snow especially when it turns to ice I always use my foot well Matt's to give myself traction . When my wheels are spinning 😁

[@MrEdbob98]

just watching this video and when you got onto the A666 i thought, woah its bolton near where i live haha

[@Bantu_dnb]

Great vid. Going to consider winters for my next set which has to be done By Aug-Sept this year.

[@dazamatazable]

If you're really stuck, try setting off in second. Less torque. Saved me a couple days ago!

[@Cornwall1888]

I have winter tyres on my bmw don’t feel as safe without them. Stopping distances are very good on snow and ice. Still have to worry about people driving into me

[@blingking501]

There are 2 driver types in the UK during winter times. Ones who do 5mph with a tiny bit of snow and the ones who race everywhere oblivious to the road conditions. Great video very informative.

[@robreeves9825]

Good video sir! It was also good to bump into you at the IAM meeting in Bristol a few weeks back.

[@Alex-ce1ol]

Interesting to know that you’re running Super Sports. I drive a Mustang GT with MPSS on all four corners and am very hesitant to drive in these conditions. I nearly pulled the trigger on 4 Nokian WRA4 winter tyres this morning, but couldn’t bring myself to part with the cash this close to Christmas. Btw, I passed my IAM advanced driving test last Monday with a First and your videos were invaluable in helping me put the necessary polish on to achieve that, so thank you for the excellent material you provide.

[@secretwinedrinker]

Alex i

[@Nooziterp1]

The reason why we don't use winter tyres here in the UK is that cold or snowy periods only tend to last for a few days, after which normal tyres are appropriate. Then a few days later another cold snowy spell. We would be changing our wheels every few days. Personally I don't drive on snow at all. It isn't worth the risk of something like a pedestrian (distracted by their Smartphone probably) stepping out in front of me. Overall it's too 'brown trousers' for me. Bus or taxi for me.

[@alfiewoodcock7429]

Abbey Village towards the end?

[@trevm02]

I always clean my bonnet off, because when the engine gets warm and the snow starts to melt it blows everywhere

[@VisorView]

This all makes me laugh, 40 years ago I used to drive to work in deep snow in £30 cars and no one had ever heard of traction control, or ABS. The screen heater was a fan and hot air, nothing else. Rear window demisters were a novelty item. It never snows down south now, haven't seen any for years.

[@klord3677]

Always snows late down here

[@horitson]

Oh my. Mad skillz. Greetings from Finland

[@thesearcher129]

What do I do if there is a vehicle following too close? I had a vehicle being driven too close behind even for dry roads let alone snow/ice.

[@joelcrooker2907]

Winter tyres work by means of sipes in the tread that trap snow so that the trapped snow packs into the snow on the road therefore giving traction. It's the same idea as rolling a snow ball down a hill, nothing sticks to snow like snow.

[@maxtorque2277]

Great video Reg! I'd add two points: 1) LOOK AT THE ROAD! You can tell a LOT about how much grip there is by looking at the road. 2) Fast on the straight bits, slow round the twisty bits! Mono-speeding is not appropriate in very low friction conditions, but you can still manage a decent average speed by going a reasonable speed (where observation shows it's safe) on the straight bits. There can be a marked difference in friction between say sheet ice and packed snow, and that makes the choice of a very safe limit speed on a turn sensible.

[@commanderoof4578]

I have pretty beefy wheels in terms rubber thickness to rim so i drop tire pressure from 32 front to 24 and from 28 rear to 21 (this is in psi)

[@colintyler1405]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@English-Rose]

Excellent video Thanks 👍

[@Aftonrhodes]

Summer tires on a RWD in snow, even having watched you do it, I'd be worried to risk it.

[@raftonpounder6696]

No problem at all. Winter tyres will get you through. How do you think all the Germans in their BMWs and Mercedes get around in their freezing winters?

[@Dan-re7go]

I would prefer the standheisung thank you.

[@uzairiqbal738]

it is snowing now in blackburn

[@rayfirth2513]

Winter uk driving and he's easing of the GAS lmao, id like to see you climb out of Kirkburton to Emily after a good snow storm.

[@s300byg2]

great video, awesome commentary 👍

[@colinsmith3938]

how to drive in snow and slush audi allroad 2,5 tdi on 4 snow tyres will plow threw anything ..

[@gumasmaster4690]

Good video, nice one,thanks 🤠

[@canuckpeoplerule]

I only wish we had such little snow. The words these conditions don’t come into effect until there’s a couple feet of snow. England doesn’t really get winter. Cold starts at -25°C and absolutely freezing is working in -50° which we usually did in 3hr stretches before going in for a warm up. This is just the last little dusting of snow before spring. You are correct about low revs & keeping a good distance back from vehicles in front for stopping distance.

[@johonanandrewgomes7593]

only countries that go below -50 regularly are Canada, and Russia.

[@Nooziterp1]

The thing that most annoys me is keeping a good distance from the vehicle in front only to look in the mirror to see some idiot sitting on my arse.

[@jackwatsonepic626]

I always say that it's not your driving you have got to be worried about in these conditions it is the other vehicle (the way they drive)

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Lovely trees.

[@itzmoody8290]

do a video for this beast from the east plz

[@TheConsettcowboy]

Never ever use a brush directly on cars bodywork because the bristles will put scratches in the paint use a microfibre cloth over the bristles to clear the snow also to clear the windows easily fill a zip lock bag with tepid tap water and rub it on the windows to melt the ice.

[@dashcamduo253]

Where have you been !!!

[@Fatbikethong]

DashCam Duo Up his own arse I think

[@dashcamduo253]

Stuart Jesus 😂

[@MatthewStyles-z8h]

Reg, I have a lot of respect for you. And I used your videos to get me my IAM F1RST. But I do have to say that at 18:10 your comments about the cyclist is both disappointing and also a bit odd. You mentioned that they don't have hi-viz, yet you saw them fine. The Highway Code says pedestrians should wear hi-viz, but that never gets commented on. "Must be certifiable, riding a bicycle in these conditions" - this road was created for bicycles, over 200 years before cars rode on it, if OS maps are to be believed.

[@DayDreamingWonderer]

Lovely video thankyou!

[@shrimpfarmer]

Enjoyed that. Thanks. 👍

[@stewroper]

Excellent advice, thanks.

[@Chrisallengallery]

Wish my car had traction control. I was wheel-spinning for fun today and there's not even snow on the road.

[@jackfordmac]

Can I give you and everyone out there a piece of advice, start the car and the demist and then clear the snow off - (as I watched more I see you did this with water, but most will just scrape and go)

[@djrphotography]

What tyres are you using in these conditions?

[@RegLocal]

They're Michelin Pilot Supersports Dominic.

[@djrphotography]

Cheers Reg. Same on mine. Definitely not the best tyres in these conditions.

[@gr-s5775]

Good video. Quite right about winter tyres, they make a dramatic difference. So when you say ‘if we were to stop on this hill, we would have real problems getting going again’ perhaps you should consider if driving your rear wheel drive car with summer tyres in those conditions when you didn’t need to was sensible? I always drive with winter tyres on my winter hack; it makes a massive difference, and not just in snow. As for brushing the snow off the car, three comments. First, a brush is a great idea- if you want to scratch your car. Second, you left snow on the bonnet, third why leave your car out in the snow? Why not garage it? you don’t have to de ice the car if it comes from a warm garage... Lastly, when travelling through built up areas your speed was too high. Even with ABS on those summer tyres you would s-l-i-d-e for ever.

[@michaelkenway-allanach2173]

when it snowed last year i went with a broom thet cost me a pound and brushed the snow off of cars and made 117 pounds doing it

[@tractorfixrable]

Where is the snow ? Warm water with a chip in the windshield = crack. Never do that

[@raftonpounder6696]

I use a watering can.

[@JackJack-zq6hz]

You don’t look like you are taking that into account. Look how fast you are going

[@bobgustavsonn4306]

Snow isn't typical British weather

[@AmamMcMam]

Wee all know this video is gonna start getting views now haha

[@R00KIEo87]

And if you're going to be working in this potential weather always remember people to wrap a scarf around your face And notify too many of your kids not to go out in this particular weather

[@highlikesuperman]

This is how to drive in the wet, with snow on your bonnet.

[@darrell5337]

Really helpful tips, cheers mate

[@ambitiousambo4127]

Fuck I should've stayed in Australia

[@jakemarch-jones2789]

Cue the "oh in Canada...." comments...

[@777skinner]

Should you really even consider taking a BMW onto a public road when snow and ice is evident...Volvo forever...

[@JohnJackson-hy7dn]

You didn't clear the snow off the bonnet. At that point I realize you know very little about winter driving. Stopped watching.

[@Fatbikethong]

John Jackson Plus- the path's still covered in snow and now frozen water, and no one else is bothering to go out if you look at the other driveways. Is this Keith Lards brother ?, perfect material for Peter Kay !!!

[@Flossie1985]

Please, share with us your driving qualifications and your experience and put your own demonstrations on here for us. Snow on the bonnet isn't going to go over the windscreen in more than a light dusting that the windscreen wipers will clear. Reg likes to find a sensible boundary in his advice between the official by the book messages and the common disregard for proper practice. The result ends up being criticism from the truly anal by not being careful enough and the "Don't give a damn" smart arses who still have to comment about how anal he is.

[@JohnJackson-hy7dn]

I've been driving 48 years in western Canada. That would be 48 winters with snow and ice driving experience.unheard of in Britain. Licenced Provincial driving instructor, former Provincial Ice Racing champion, rally champion, advanced driving school instructor. Consultant for tire companies.... Snow on the bonnet will get you as ticket here. Not only does snow fly onto the windscreen, it also gets sucked into the ventilation system and instantly fogs the interior windows. So, yes, I know more than a little about winter driving. Certainly more than you and the film maker.

[@Flossie1985]

There's a difference between several feet and a dusting and the windows of the car here clearly don't mist up if you actually watch the video to the end. This is about driving in the UK, not Canada. Siberia has been covered in Reg's other videos. To dismiss the whole thing over a bit of snow on the bonnet and pretend you know better than someone who has been a police traffic officer and police driving instructor is pretty high minded and that in itself is not a safe attitude to take to the road with.

[@user-gk9pu6oq7j]

why is it important to clear the snow from the bonnet ?

[@rabg6837]

Where's the snow typical UK conditions haha one inch and it's how to drive in snow

[@Fatbikethong]

Imagine if you will, this guy on a date. I rest my case.

[@ericscottegan]

Couldn't watch it due to your breathing

[@j.m1899]

I just want to say that I live in the south east and the snow has missed us

[@alantarant3012]

I live in eastern Canada and the use of snow tires is very advisable but besides tread design it is the rubber compound that allows the tires to still flex below 7 degrees Celsius. Also you are driving on a wet but clean road.

[@blobby273]

subbed and unsubbed within the first 10 mis lol .

[@rougeproductions]

Brush the snow off your car if you don't care about the paintwork and like scratches everywhere.

[@Noi5ee]

If you don't brush the snow of your car because you are afraid of scratches then you shouldn't be driving in the first place.

[@rougeproductions]

Yeah alright mate! Your car obviously looks like shit then.

[@zepter00]

Matthew Rigby you will be fined by Police and you are a danger for yourself and other people. I don’t give a shit about you but other people want to live.

[@peterfalandysz9375]

load of rubbish using water on windscreen

[@michaelrawson4808]

Engine running - pollution!!! Clear the bonnet otherwise illegal. Not impressed.

[@nov3019892008]

Michael Rawson you don't look through your bonnet

[@michaelrawson4808]

Driving along at, e.g. 30 mph the snow blows off the bonnet onto the screen - blizzard conditions!!

[@DUCATEA]

💤💤💤

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

Honestly I don’t consider driving in snow conditions unless all the roads are covered and the snow has been packed down creating ice.