The big expense of changing a car is normally the last thing on people’s minds after the hectic and costly Christmas and New Year period. However, with snow, ice and cold weather across the UK it appears many Brits are in the market for a ‘snow mobile’.
Analysis of over one million car insurance searches on the moneysupermarket.com comparison tool shows an increase in those looking to insure a 4×4 vehicle since the snow started falling last week. In fact, in the five days since 5th January 2010, searches for 4×4 car insurance were up 42 per cent compared to the same period in December.
Once the snow had truly swept across the country by Thursday 7th January, searches on 4×4 models peaked, with more than 3 per cent of all car insurance searches on Friday 8th January being for a four wheel drive vehicle.
Steve Sweeney, head of car insurance at moneysupermarket.com said of the surge in queries: “It appears many Brits found failings in their vehicles once the heavy snow hit, finding that their cars just couldn’t cope with such extreme weather conditions.
“It is understandable after seeing more snow than usual in such a short period of time people may be thinking about preparing themselves against any further snowy conditions that are on the way, or indeed, if snow filled winters are to be a regular occurrence in the future. However, when we do suffer from such severe snow and ice causing treacherous driving conditions the advice is generally to stay off the roads entirely. Having a more able vehicle for driving in the snow is not a guarantee that your journey would be any safer or less eventful when faced with such unpredictable driving conditions.”
Top tips for driving your car in extreme winter conditions:
- Follow official advice wherever possible. If this is: ‘Do not travel unless absolutely necessary’ please think very carefully before deciding to venture out in your car.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear should you need to get out of your car during your journey, and where possible carry a fully charged mobile phone should you come to a stop and need assistance.
- Keep items such as food, water, blankets, torch and spade in your car should you become stuck or stranded.
- Keep your lights on whilst driving; even in the daytime so that other drivers can better see you should visibility deteriorate.
- Where possible tell someone where you are headed and your intended route should you not arrive or need assistance en-route.
- Clear all snow off your car especially windows. Also clear your roof and bonnet to stop it impairing your view should it move whilst driving.
- Stopping distances are ten times longer in the snow and ice so please be aware and slow down leaving an adequate distance.
- Try and maintain a constant speed and avoid changing gear especially when driving up or down hill.
- Drive with care, even on treated roads and apply brakes gently.
