How to Drive in Snow: Winter Driving Tips From HDX

A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N in vibrant blue speeding across a snowy terrain under a clear blue sky, leaving a trail of snow dust, with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Looking for advice on driving in the snow? Don’t let icy conditions intimidate you. With these essential winter driving tips, you and your vehicle can navigate the cold season safely.

While many drivers worry about driving in the snow, proper preparation and equipment can make winter journeys manageable and even fun! Our winter driving advice will teach you how to handle your car with confidence in snow and ice.

A convoy of Hyundai IONIQ 5 N vehicles driving on a snow-covered mountain track, surrounded by scattered traffic cones, showcasing their capabilities in extreme winter conditions.

1. Winter tyres are essential for driving in snow

Many people wonder whether they can drive summer tyres in winter.

Summer tyres simply won't provide adequate safety when facing winter road conditions such as black ice, snow, or frost. While many people also ask whether they can drive on their winter tyres all year, it’s best to switch between seasonal tyres for optimal performance and longevity.

Approved winter tyres are marked with a pictogram showing a snowflake and mountain peaks. They're manufactured with a softer rubber compound that provides a better grip on ice and snow. The specialised tread pattern is designed to better channel away snow, slush, and water. The ADAC (German Automobile Club) recommends a tread depth of 4mm, which exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

View from inside a car driving through snowy terrain, showing a Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ahead on a snowy road surrounded by mountains, framed by the car's windshield and two passengers in winter attire.

Winter tyre responsibility falls on the driver

Driving in the winter without proper tyres puts you at risk of accidents, fines, and points on your licence in many regions across Europe. If you cause an accident without the required winter tyres, the consequences can be even more severe. Remember: drivers – not vehicle owners – are responsible for ensuring proper winter tyres are fitted during snowy and icy conditions.

Winter tyre requirements across Europe

Winter tyres are mandatory in various European countries and regions, though not in the UK. However, they're strongly recommended for safe winter driving anywhere temperatures regularly drop below 7°C (45°F). Penalties for non-compliance vary across Europe and can be substantial: in Austria, fines can reach up to 5,000 euros. Countries such as the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Austria, along with certain regions in Italy, enforce mandatory winter tyre use during specified periods.

Winter tyres vs all-season tyres

When considering driving in snow, many drivers wonder about all-season vs winter tyres. While all-season tyres can handle some winter conditions, they only meet winter tyre requirements if they display the Alpine symbol – a snowflake within a mountain silhouette. Unlike winter tyres, all-season tyres use a medium rubber compound with a less aggressive tread pattern, offering balanced performance in both warm and cold temperatures.

A breathtaking aerial view of snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky. The rugged peaks rise above a layer of white clouds, creating a serene winter landscape.

2. Driving in snow tips: Adjust your technique

Driving in snow and icy conditions demands a calm, measured approach. Slippery roads can cause you to lose control if you accelerate aggressively or brake abruptly. Our advice for winter driving emphasises smooth starts and gear changes, along with defensive driving, to anticipate potential hazards early.

A Hyundai Tucson N Line SUV participating in the off-road Hyundai Driving Experience, driving through snowy terrain with a snowy mountain backdrop.

Drive at lower speeds

To prevent skidding while driving in the winter, maintain lower engine speeds. If you have a manual transmission, use a higher gear – driving at lower RPMs provides better tyre grip. Be gentle with acceleration: smooth, steady pressure prevents wheel spin when starting or increasing speed.

Maintain safe distance

When driving in snow, remember that braking distance increases significantly – according to experts, it can be up to five times longer than on dry roads. Maintain a much greater following distance than usual to ensure you have adequate time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.

Steer carefully

Taking corners too quickly on slippery roads can lead to loss of control. Essential advice for driving in the snow includes easing off the accelerator well before corners and avoiding braking, accelerating, or making sudden steering movements while turning. These manoeuvres are more likely to cause understeer or oversteer on slippery surfaces.

A close-up shot of the rear wheel of a Hyundai Tucson N Line in a snowy setting, showcasing its unique snowflake-patterned alloy wheel design, covered in light snowfall.

3. Ensure the correct equipment for winter driving safety

Getting through winter safely requires the right equipment, from functioning lights and ice scrapers to emergency supplies.

Maintain clear visibility

For cars parked outdoors in freezing temperatures, use an aluminium foil windscreen cover. Protect windscreen wipers with specialised covers to prevent freezing. If frost does form, thoroughly clean all windows – front, rear, and sides – of ice and snow. Keep an ice scraper and soft brush in your car during winter. Don't forget to add antifreeze to your windscreen washer fluid.

Pack essential supplies

Snowfall on motorways isn't uncommon and can halt traffic for hours. Beyond the required safety equipment, pack warm clothing, blankets, snacks, and potentially a thermos of hot tea. A fully charged power bank for your mobile phone and a torch can prove invaluable during extended snow delays.

A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N electric car drifting through snow on a mountain, kicking up powder as it demonstrates its handling capabilities during the Hyundai Driving Experience.

Carry snow chains

Snow chains are essential for mountain driving in snow, but they shouldn’t replace winter tyres. If you're planning to drive in mountainous regions across Europe, particularly in the Alps, many areas require snow chains by law during winter months. These zones are typically marked with specific road signs. Check local requirements before travelling, as regulations and fines vary by country. When using snow chains, always follow local speed restrictions – typically, this means driving at significantly reduced speeds, usually no more than 30-50 km/h.

Practice installing snow chains

When you see the round blue sign indicating mandatory snow chains, you must install them – even if the road appears clear. Practice installing and removing chains before your journey to ensure familiarity when needed. Install chains on the drive wheels; for four-wheel drive vehicles, chains on one drive axle suffice.

A blue Hyundai IONIQ 5 N driving through snowy terrain, with snow spraying from its tires. The vehicle's design features sharp LED lights, aerodynamic lines, and a Hyundai Driving Experience decal. The snowy mountains and clear skies form a picturesque winter backdrop.

4. Stay informed for safe winter driving

Keep updated with local weather services, radio weather reports, and traffic updates for current warnings and congestion. Research which mountain passes remain open in winter, where snow chains are required, and what the expected road conditions are. If forecasters predict severe winter weather, consider postponing your journey – black ice poses risks even with excellent winter tyres and chains.

Winter driving tips for electric vehicles

Electric vehicles often consume significantly more energy in winter: experts report consumption can increase by 70 per cent on shorter trips in below-zero temperatures, reducing the range of an electric vehicle. Many drivers park their EVs outdoors in winter, leading to considerable cooling.

Follow these winter driving tips for EVs:

Preheat the interior: Use electricity from the wall box to warm the car before departure, preserving range for your journey.
Adapt route planning: Account for reduced winter range by planning more frequent charging stops at shorter intervals.
Pre-condition the battery: Preheated batteries charge faster than cold ones, so you can avoid unnecessarily long charging stops.
Charge strategically: Utilise the higher operating temperature after long drives for optimal fast charging.
Conserve energy: Reduce consumption by slightly lowering cabin temperature, using eco mode, utilising heat pumps, and activating energy-saving heating functions.
Indoor parking: When possible, park your electric car in a garage to prevent excessive cooling.
Adjust regenerative braking: Use lower recuperation settings on snowy, icy roads. This means you will recover less energy when braking, but with improved safety.

Build your winter driving confidence with HDX

Want to master driving in snow? The HDX Winter Driving Experience teaches you how ice and snow affect vehicle handling. Against a spectacular snow-covered mountain backdrop, experienced HDX instructors will help you understand how your vehicle responds in typical winter situations and how to maintain confident control.

Follow us on Instagram for more information about Hyundai Driving Experience training programmes and other motorsport updates.

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