A little bit of wind might not get in the way of your travel plans. But you’ll need to adapt the way you drive when conditions turn blustery.
Here are a few tips we’ve gathered to make sure you’re prepared when high winds hit:
- How will your car be affected by wind
- How to adapt your driving in strong winds
- How to drive in high winds with a trailer or caravan
- How to protect your car, whatever the weather
How will your car be affected by wind
Gusts of strong winds can catch your car, pushing you to one side – especially on more exposed roads. These gusts can make driving tricky. You won’t always know when your vehicle will be jerked to the side.
Gusts are especially noticeable when driving a high-sided vehicle, as there’s more area to catch the wind. In general, taller vehicles like 4x4s, vans and boxy family cars will be affected more by crosswinds than a car which has a lower profile to the road. Additions to your car – like trailers and roof boxes, will make your car less aerodynamic and more prone to being rocked by winds.
The grip of your tyres will also have an impact on how well your car copes in high winds. The stronger the grip, the easier you’ll find it to keep you straight and true on the road.
How to adapt your driving in strong winds
- Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel with both hands to make sure you stay in control of your car.
- Stay alert. The wind may have created unexpected hazards on the road too. Debris and fallen trees can block lanes, causing others to swerve or forcing them to turn back and go another way.
- Drive slowly and carefully so you can spot hazards up ahead and manoeuvre around them in plenty of time.
- Avoid bridges, clifftop roads and exposed tracks, where you can. Roads that don’t have the protection of trees and buildings at the sides will be more affected by gusty winds.
- Give more space to other road users. Bicycles, motorbikes, HGVs, motorhomes and caravans, vans, buses, and trucks will all be vulnerable to strong winds. Give them plenty of room when passing, as they’re even more susceptible to being buffeted or blown off course.
How to drive in high winds with a trailer or caravan
If you see a weather warning when you’re planning on towing a trailer or caravan, you might want to reconsider your travel plans. The risk of your trailer swaying, snaking, or even jackknifing is much higher in strong winds – especially on exposed or coastal roads.
If you can, consider delaying your journey until after the worst of the weather has passed. And if you’re already on the road when the wind picks up, take a break and think about the rest of your route. You might need to take a detour to avoid narrow tracks, bridges and seafronts.
If you decide to tow despite the winds and you notice your caravan or trailer begin to snake from side to side, don’t panic. Gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight.
How to protect your car, whatever the weather
It’s important you’ve got insurance to protect you and your vehicle, wherever you’re travelling. You might even want to consider breakdown cover, so you won’t be left stranded in gale force winds if your car breaks down.
If you’re a Swiftcover customer, log in to your SwiftSpace online account to see what you are and aren’t covered for – and check your details are up to date. If we don’t have the right details about you and your car, we might not be able to pay your claims in the way you expect.
These are just a few tips to help make your journey a little smoother. Remember, if you’re not confident you can drive safely – no matter what the weather – it's best not to get out on the road. If you see weather warnings for wind, it’s likely safer to delay your travel plans until the winds have calmed.