Whether you've just passed your driving test or you have many years of driving experience behind you, the winter season is still likely to be a cause of concern when heading out on the roads. Winter is the most dangerous season to drive, and some motorists even choose to leave their cars at home during extreme weather and take public transport instead. But you don't have to abandon your car when you take steps to get it ready for the dangers posed by the season, and educate yourself in good winter driving behaviour.

The biggest danger of winter driving is slippery roads caused by snow, ice and frost, which can greatly affect the handling of vehicles as well as extend stopping distances considerably. To counteract these effects, it's necessary to drive more slowly on slippery roads and keep a greater distance between your car and the car in front, to minimise the risk of collisions. Accelerating and decelerating in particular should be done slowly, and brakes should be applied gently to avoid skidding.

Freezing temperatures can take their toll on vehicles, and you should perform a thorough check of all your car parts and systems before setting off on a long distance journey. This especially applies to fluids, which may be frozen if not sufficiently insulated, and your tyres, which need to be in good condition and with suitable tread depth to offer the best grip on slippery roads.

You may even wish to replace standard tyres with winter tyres that offer improved traction and handling, especially if you live in areas more affected by snow and ice. If you are planning on making a long road trip in the winter, keeping up to date with weather reports for each area you're passing through will help you decide whether to postpone the trip until a more suitable time, or inform you which areas to avoid with detours.

Preparing your car for the winter can reduce your risk of accidents and having to make claims on your car insurance, but it's not only your car that needs to be 'winter-proofed' for the season - it may also be necessary to modify your own driving habits to improve your safety, and that of other road users and pedestrians. This includes avoiding using cruise control in adverse conditions, always wearing your seatbelt and never driving while under the influence or fatigued, as this will impair your response time - which could be particularly devastating on icy roads.

The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Admiral. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.