Winter Driving

Winter Driving Experience

Part One

Last November I drove to Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, to redeem my winter driving experience gift voucher hubs had treated me to for my birthday.

There are three floors of attractions and exhibits and several different driving circuits. One of their marketing strap lines is: “If you can reach the pedals, you can drive a Mercedes.” Which is good because I am only little. 😊

The site has an elegant restaurant, as well as a casual family café and the Mercedes-Benz gift shop! There are events throughout the year for all ages. They have several F1 simulators to try on the second floor too.

I was going out with a driver onto the wet straights and the wet skid circle. This is a low friction painted surface with automated water sprays adding water to the road to make it extra slippery.

I drove an automatic C220d with an experienced driving coach by my side called Barry.

The best thing about getting back to basic driving knowledge is the valuable tuition you receive. As I drove out from the parking bays, Barry started the conversation.

“OK Joanna, what’s the first thing to think about when we are faced with winter driving?” he said.

“Keeping your distance, 2 car lengths from the car in front” I replied.

“Yes, partly correct, however one must take into account the speed you are doing, the fact that you are on a wet slippery road and the poor visibility. Therefore, you would leave more space than the 2 second rule or 2 length rule” he added.

“The first thing to think about is…. Is this road trip essential” said wise Barry.

“At this point I felt a little bit worried that my answers were not going to well.”

Part Two to follow later this week.

Mercedes-Benz World.