With severe and snowy weather forecast, Volvo is sharing some winter driving and car maintenance tips from its experience of harsh Scandinavian winters. The tips include:

Don't always follow previous tracks in the snow as this compacted snow is likely to be more slippery. The fresh snow between the tracks will offer more resistance and stopping power.

Always brake gently and allow extra stopping distance on icy roads, and if the car skids, steer into the skid, not the other way. Snow by the side of the road may provide extra stopping power - and is always preferable to hitting oncoming traffic.

Air conditioning is not just for summer but equally important in winter as a dehumidifier to keep windows clear of condensation and give the driver better visibility. Electronic Climate Control, as fitted to all the latest Volvo range and tested to beyond -30&Mac186;C, is more advanced and works more effectively than air conditioning, and maintains a chosen temperature more quickly.

The air quality inside the car is another important safety factor. Cold temperatures have a negative effect on combustion, so the surrounding air is likely to contain more impurities in winter, so keep the air conditioning on to help purify the air.

Volvo advises against the temptation of turning the car's heating up too high when driving in winter. Volvo's research shows that too high an interior temperature jeopardises the driver's reaction times and increases the amount of errors. A constant, comfortable temperature inside the car is an important safety factor. It is unhealthy and disorientating to have an extreme difference in inside and outside temperature.

Bulky winter clothes can dangerously inhibit a driver's movements.

Warm clothes and a shovel should be kept in the car in case the car gets stuck in snow.

Don't forget automatic transmissions usually have a Winter setting to aid traction by starting in a higher gear than normal when pulling away in slippery conditions.