Winter driving tips. Gritting the roads is not a magic solution that prevents snow settling. Drive according to the conditions.

That means increased stopping distances, so keep your distance and avoid sharp manoeuvres. Keep it smooth.

Having four wheel drive does not mean you can stop more quickly, nor that you can corner as if you are on dry tarmac by the way. Winter tyres will help with braking and grip, but can't perform miracles. Slow down.

Make sure you've got a strong mix of screenwash and plenty of it. Slushy, gritted roads eat screenwash.

Having knowledge of how to handle a car in a skid isn't necessarily helpful as on public roads, you rarely have space to catch a slide. The best thing to do is avoid a slide in the first place. Moderate pace, don't brake or lift-off mid bend.

Having a blanket and or warm clothes in the car really can't be recommended enough. I once spent four hours stuck in a snowy traffic jam. It was not pleasant.

Having told you to keep the pace down, momentum is actually very helpful going uphill. If you stop, you might not get going again. Getting the balance right is the trick.

Have you got a choice of vehicle? Go for the one with the narrowest tyres. Fat rubber is utterly horrific once things get slippy.