Long winter nights combined with cold, snow, rain and ice can transform even the shortest journey into an epic. Here are some tips to help you to get safely through this bleak time of year, writes David Duffy.

Adapting your driving style to suit the conditions and taking greater precautions are essential in the quest for safer winter motoring. The motto is 'Think smooth!' Avoid sudden acceleration and jerky steering movements and treat the brake gently.

Spinning wheels or an unusually light feel to the steering are warning signs of slippery surfaces. You should also take special care if the car in front leaves tracks on what appears to be a dry road surface or if its tyre treads shimmer slightly.

Many cars have electronic traction control (TC) which prevents the driven wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces.

Anticipation is the best way to avoid an accident, so give yourself a chance by leaving at least twice the normal distance between you and the car in front.

Drivers of manual cars should avoid sudden steering and clutch movements, while cars with automatic transmission should always be accelerated without using the kickdown.

Some models with automatic transmission have a winter programme for moving off on slippery surfaces, so engage it!

When driving uphill, early upshifts and smooth acceleration help to prevent the wheels from spinning. On steep downhill stretches on icy or snow-covered roads, it is safer to use the braking effect of the engine than to upset the car's balance by frequent cadence braking, even if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Anti-lock braking not only ensures maximum braking, but also keeps the car steerable.

Putting a piece of cardboard between the wipers and the windscreen is still an effective way to avoid having to scrape off ice in the morning. And it is better to let the engine and the catalytic converter warm up while the car is on the move.

Misty windows are another problem when starting the car on cold days.

The best remedy is to lower the side window, turn the heating up high, put the fan on maximum and on the windscreen setting. Close the central air vents if fitted.

Lights need special care during winter. Dirt on the headlights reduces their output by up to 90 per cent, so a wipe with a damp sponge should be part of the daily routine.

Finally, always carry an ice-scraper and de-icer, plus a torch, tow rope, jump leads, spare bulbs and gloves for emergencies.