HOW TO DRIVE YOUR AUTOMATIC, ELECTRIC OR MANUAL CAR IN THE SNOW

Snow and the UK don’t go well together. Historically, Brits can’t handle the slush, ice and hazardous driving conditions that a rare snow blizzard will leave in its wake.

2018’s “Beast from the East” is a prime example. Schools were closed, villages and towns were flooded, and the country’s transport infrastructure grounded to a halt.

With winter in full swing, motorists are again challenged by the tougher, less predictable conditions. After Storm Arwen and Barra swept through the nation, many residents lost power for over a week. Highways came to a standstill, and drivers were once again faced with uncertainty over their spiralling fuel levels.

Vehicle finance company Carvine have recently tackled some of the harder questions surrounding driving in challenging weather conditions. Focusing on how different automatics, manuals and electric cars handle snow, they discovered a few interesting facts along the way.

Automatics are well known for not using a traditional gear system. Instead, they take the strain out of driving. But in the snow, there are some features that you might not be aware of, such as their dedicated snow mode.

Switch a button, and you are more in control of everything, from your slowing down times to how your car handles the ice.

Go a step further, and you can switch into manual mode – a real lifesaver in the snow. When you first set off, take it slow. Lightly test your brakes and steering, and ensure you are in control and have enough traction.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, don’t have gears at all. However, they optimise torque far more than their petrol counterparts. Simply flick the eco setting button, reduce your torque, and you’re less likely to encounter a wheel spins and slips on the ice.

Then we have manuals. In many ways, they are easier to control as you manually change gear and can ease on and off the throttle as much as you like without relying on tech systems to help you.

But with any journey in the snow and ice, take it slow. Don’t rush your trip; plan ahead and ease off the throttle.

Alex Thomas, marketing executive for Carvine, says: “Motorists like to feel in control. It makes them feel safer behind the wheel and more confident in their manoeuvres. Throw in tougher weather conditions, and some people will avoid getting behind the wheel entirely. But, with more safety features and tech to support drivers today, the driver mindset is changing.”

With temperatures dropping and more unpredictable weather hitting UK shores, sometimes, it’s safer to stay home. But where driving is essential, make sure you are prepared. Pack extra warm clothes, charge your phone and keep in tune with live travel updates.