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Question

Difficulty: EasyIce and Snow Conditions

Before making an essential journey in winter conditions, your vehicle is covered with snow. What is the correct order of steps to properly prepare the vehicle and move off safely?

  1. 1Ensure windscreen wipers are switched off before starting the engine.
  2. 2Clear all snow and ice thoroughly from the roof, lights, mirrors, and all windows.
  3. 3Demist all interior windows completely using the vehicle's heating and ventilation system.
  4. 4Perform all-round observations and gently move away in the highest practical gear.

Answer

Ensure windscreen wipers are off before ignition, clear all exterior snow and ice from the vehicle, demist all interior windows fully, then check around and move off gently in the highest practical gear.
Before setting off in freezing weather, you must first ensure the wipers are switched off so their motors do not burn out when starting the engine. Next, clear all exterior snow from the roof, lights, mirrors, and glass to ensure visibility and prevent snow blinding yourself or others. Then, ensure the interior glass is completely demisted. Finally, complete all-round observations and move away smoothly in a higher gear to minimise wheelspin.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Ensure windscreen wipers are turned off before switching on the ignition.
Protects the wiper motor and wiper blades from mechanical overload.
If wipers are frozen to the windscreen and active when the ignition turns on, the electric motor can burn out or blow a fuse.
2
Clear all exterior snow and ice from the roof, lights, mirrors, and glass.
Gives unobstructed exterior sightlines and ensures vehicle lights are visible to others.
The Highway Code requires all windows and lights to be completely clear of snow before driving, and clearing the roof prevents snow from sliding over the windscreen when braking.
3
Demist the windscreen and side windows completely from the inside.
Achieves full 360-degree vision from inside the cabin.
Driving with misted windows restricts hazard awareness and is a motoring offence.
4
Conduct all-round observations and gently move away in a higher gear.
The car moves away smoothly without losing traction.
Selecting a higher gear delivers less torque to the driven wheels, helping to prevent wheelspin on packed snow and ice.

Key Concept

Correct procedure for preparing a snow-covered vehicle and moving off safely on slippery surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Ice and Snow Conditions

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