Winter driving tips for private hire drivers: how to stay safe, confident and road-ready
The Otto TeamDecember 29, 2025
Winter driving can be one of the toughest times of year for private hire drivers. Snow, ice, rain, fog and darker mornings all increase the risks on the road - and for drivers who rely on their car for their income, safety is more important than ever.
At Otto Car, driver safety comes first. That’s why we’ve put together some essential winter driving advice to help private hire drivers stay safe, protect their vehicle and keep earning confidently throughout the colder months.
Prepare your private hire car for winter
The general advice is that you should do standard checks and prepare your car before every shift. In winter conditions. it’s especially important to do this, as the winter roads can be more dangerous, so it’s important to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Alongside regular servicing, use this winter checklist before heading out:
- Check your car battery - cold weather can reduce battery performance, regardless of fuel type. When temperatures drop, it’s normal for electric vehicle (EV) batteries to work differently and show a temporary change in your range. Make sure you keep an eye on your range before you set off for work and plan your charging stops appropriately.
Read our full guide on how to boost your EV range in cold weather. - Test all lights to make sure they’re working properly and clean them regularly for maximum visibility.
- Inspect tyres and brakes to make sure they’re in good working order and suitable for slippery conditions, like wet or icy roads.
- Top up fluids, prioritising windscreen wash, oil and antifreeze.
- Clear all windows, mirrors and lights of snow and ice before driving. Never set off with frost on the glass.
Did you know?
Electric vehicles offer several built-in features that can support safer driving in winter conditions, particularly for private hire drivers working long or early shifts.
One of the most important is preconditioning, which allows an electric car to warm up while it’s still parked and plugged in. This feature is designed not just for comfort, but for safety, as it helps improve visibility before driving by defrosting windows, mirrors and lights in advance. This reduces the risk of setting off with limited visibility in cold or icy conditions. Plus, saves you time and avoids using your range to heat up your car on the go.
- Check your vehicle handbook for winter mode settings or recommendations such as pulling away in second gear.
- Pack a winter emergency kit including de-icer, ice scraper, warning triangle, torch, jump leads, first-aid kit and snacks.
- Keep your breakdown provider’s number easily accessible in case of emergencies.
Top tip: By law, tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a 20p coin to check - if the outer rim is visible, it’s time to replace them.
Otto Car prioritises safety by offering well-maintained, road-ready vehicles designed to support private hire drivers all year round.
Plan ahead for every shift
Winter conditions can change quickly, so planning ahead is essential for private hire drivers ahead of busy days on the road.
- Always have an alternative route in mind, as satnavs don’t always account for road closures or untreated roads.
- Use helpful driver apps such as Waze for live traffic updates and ZapMap, BP Pulse or Shell Recharge for EV charging.
- Allow extra time for each journey and avoid rushing. You should take extra care on winter roads and avoid harsh braking. Opt for smooth, steady driving as this is much safer and more efficient for your range.
- Double-check your car before setting off, particularly during cold spells or wet conditions.
Look after yourself as well as your car
It’s important to find a car that works as hard as you do. But it’s just as important to look after yourself - especially during long winter shifts, which can feel physically and mentally demanding, particularly in darker conditions.
Doing what you can to give yourself peace of mind on the road makes a real difference. That might mean keeping an emergency travel kit in your boot or glove compartment, or knowing you’re covered by an all-in-one package. If you’re involved in an accident and need to make an insurance claim, or if you run into a servicing issue, it helps to know you’re protected.
That’s why, with Otto Car, we give drivers the peace of mind they need to drive with confidence, no matter the weather.
Drive with confidence this winter with Otto Car
Winter doesn’t have to mean increased risk. With the right preparation, careful driving and a reliable car, private hire drivers can stay safe and confident throughout the colder months.
At Otto Car, safety is a core priority - from high vehicle standards to a growing range of electric and low-emission cars designed for real-world driving in all conditions.
Explore our range of safe, reliable private hire vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans and discover electric cars built to support you through winter and beyond.