Driving in the snow how

[Mickeyfish]

I've got a 2 hour drive back home today that I have to do as been away for the night we have snow landed in both places im at and need to be . Any tips please im dreading driving specially with the kids also

Lift your foot off the accelerator! Also, many automatics can be switched to manual mode - mine can.

Whenever I have to drive in snow I hear dad's voice on a loop "high gear, low revs, high gear, low revs". It's really comforting!
I keep a shovel and blanket in the car and have all weather tyres. Also torch, hi Viz and warning triangle. Daylight driving where possible. Check forecast, if there's more due and you're not confident you're better to stay put. Flask of hot drink and extra clothing. Snacks. Go slow, no hard braking, turn into the skid if it happens.

Use headlights - even in the day. Snow reduces visibility. If other people can see you clearly they can (hopefully) drive accordingly.
Low revs at all times - try and use engine braking (if manual car) where appropriate rather than 100% rely on the brakes.
Allow 3 x the braking distance than normal
Do not expect a quick journey, have snacks and drinks in the car with you. Have plenty of fuel and screen wash (if it is not frozen).
If it is a sunny cold day be aware of winter sun, have a pair of sunglasses at hand.
Have a shovel in the car if possible.

Watch out for hills up and down, if cars are having problems getting up or down (sliding down or struggling with traction going up) wait until the car in front has safely navigated it before you go.

Stick to main roads where possible side roads will be worst.

If you're not confident driving in any kind of weather...then you shouldn't be driving.
( Ex Road safety officer).
Next time it snows book some snow driving lessons with an advanced driving instructor.

But MUCH more fun! 🤣

Just move into manual. Much safer.

Move into manual

How?

@SoupDragon I move my automatic into manual by moving the lever across as opposed to up and down. It then moves into manual with five gears. Brilliant for up and down steep hills, overtaking when you need that extra power. I have never had an auto which I could not move into manual.

Mine can move into manual but only in sport mode then you have to use the paddles on the steering wheel, which I’m sure you’re fine if you’re used to it, but I’m not so snow definitely isn’t the time to give it a whirl! But it’s AWD and has all season mud and snow tires so I feel ok driving it, I just worry about other idiots driving rear wheel drive cars and skidding into everything. Last time we had heavy snow we had 2 BMWs that got stuck on our street and it took hours to get them back to the main road.

Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. You've had great advice about steering into skids and using the gears to slow down etc but I don't see that one being mentioned.?

Read this

I just worry about other idiots driving rear wheel drive cars and skidding into everything

My car is a rear wheel drive auto and it copes with snow perfectly well. I have driven hundreds of miles on snow covered roads both here and abroad without mishap.

It has always been fitted with all-season tyres which probably makes a difference.

If you aren't confident you should stay where you are, especially as you have children with you.

It really depends on how much snow you have and wha5 sort of roads you’ll be using.

I have snow but not much. Our local A roads - dual carriageway way- will be cleared. I’d have no issue driving there. I know the area, tend to avoid smaller roads with a steep hill.
In the Lake District? I’d stay at home!!! Both because of the amount of snow and because they are small roads that won’t have been gritted.

Otherwise, Id Take a shovel *if you are stuck on a small hill, you’ll have sand boxes but you need a shovel to put it on the road!
Ill also take food, hot drinks in a flask, survival blanket and coats/blanket.
A power bank fir your phone.
And I’ll plan fir the trip to blast 2~3x longer than usual.

How old and how many children?
How far in distance, not in usual time, is the 2 hour journey?
What kind of roads?
What is the local advice at both ends and en route?

Honestly if you are in any doubt most official advice would be not to travel.

Do you want to be digging yourself out with children crying in the car? Feeding them with what you've got in the car while stranded? Etc. There's a reason the advice in unexpected snowfall is to stay put, and the reason is you'll be better off and safer if you do.

Lower gear and pack a shovel, blanket, flask and snacks.

Make sure your phone is charged.

You pump your brakes - not harshly! This is what all dekivery drivers in automatic vans do and it works.

Brake early and pump brakes.

I agree with other posters who say have a 'winter kit' in your car.
Survival blanket
Large car rug
Water
High energy snacks
Old blankets or bits of old carpet for traction
Snow shovel
For everyone
Waterproof boots (in case you have to walk)
Spare gloves/hats/socks
Packable waterproofs

Before anyone piles in saying "what a faff" most of it will go in a medium suitcase. Trust me if you get stuck it will be essential, if you check the RAC website they advise lots more stuff high vis vests/ warning triangles etc.

Mine doesn't.

@SoupDragon it is really useful, particularly for overtaking or snow driving - although I now live in a part of NZ which does not get snow ---- yet.

Stay put.

it's only useful if your car has it and it's not like you can go and add it on. 🤷🏻‍♀️

(The fact that it's automatic is the only thing I dislike about my new car.)

It was merely a comment on its usefulness, not a suggestion that you can retrofit one to your car. 🙄

No....high gear read the advice