Hampshire winters might not be as harsh as Scotland or the North, but they bring their own challenges. Frost, fog, standing water, and the occasional snowfall can catch drivers out, especially on the rural roads around the New Forest. Here are our practical tips for staying safe on local roads this winter.
Prepare Your Car Before Winter Hits
Check your antifreeze. Your coolant should be a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, which protects down to around minus 35 degrees Celsius. If you are not sure when it was last changed, bring it in and we will test it for free.
Check your battery. Cold weather is the biggest killer of car batteries. If your battery is more than four years old, or if the engine has been slow to crank on cold mornings, get it tested. A battery test takes five minutes and costs nothing at AVS.
Switch to winter screenwash. Standard screenwash can freeze in the reservoir and pipes, leaving you with no way to clear your windscreen. Use a winter-rated screenwash that is good to at least minus 10 degrees.
Check your tyres. Good tread depth is even more important in winter. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but in wet and cold conditions we recommend at least 3mm for adequate grip. Check your pressures too — cold weather causes tyre pressures to drop.
Driving in Frost and Ice
Hampshire roads, especially the minor roads through the New Forest, can be treacherous when frosted. Shaded stretches under trees can stay icy long after the sun has come up. Bridges and overpasses freeze first because cold air circulates above and below them.
Slow down and increase your following distance. In icy conditions, stopping distances can be ten times longer than on dry roads. Leave at least a four-second gap to the car in front.
Use gentle inputs. Brake, accelerate, and steer smoothly and gently. Sudden movements are what cause skids. If you do start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently into the direction of the skid.
Clear your windscreen properly. Do not just clear a small porthole — clear the entire windscreen, rear window, and side windows. It is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road, and driving with a frosted windscreen can land you a fine and points.
Driving in Fog
The New Forest is notorious for fog, especially in autumn and winter. Fog can form very quickly in the low-lying areas around Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, and the river valleys.
Use your fog lights. Front fog lights help you see the road, and rear fog lights help the car behind see you. But remember to turn them off when visibility improves — rear fog lights dazzle following drivers in clear conditions.
Slow down significantly. In thick fog, you should be able to stop within the distance you can see. If you can only see 50 metres ahead, you should not be doing more than 30mph.
Watch for animals. New Forest ponies, cattle, and deer are even harder to spot in fog. They can appear on the road with almost no warning. Drive slowly and stay alert.
Dealing with Flooded Roads
Hampshire gets its fair share of winter rain, and many local roads flood regularly. The A35 near Hinton Admiral, the road through Sopley, and several New Forest roads are all prone to flooding.
Do not drive through deep water. If you cannot see the road surface, do not risk it. Water just 30cm deep can float a car, and 60cm of flowing water can sweep a car away. It is never worth the risk.
If you must drive through shallow water, drive slowly in first gear, keep the revs up, and do not stop in the middle. Once through, test your brakes gently to dry them off.
What to Keep in Your Car
We recommend keeping a winter emergency kit in your boot: a torch with spare batteries, a warm blanket or sleeping bag, a high-visibility vest, a phone charger, a bottle of water, and some snacks. If you get stuck or break down on a rural New Forest road, it could be a while before help arrives.
The Bottom Line
A bit of preparation and common sense goes a long way in winter. If your car needs a winter check-over, or if you have any concerns about your tyres, battery, or antifreeze, pop in to AVS Bransgore. We are open Monday to Sunday and always happy to help. Call us on 01425 200826.
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