RAC urges drivers to press one button in cars this week

What the RAC is advising this week

The RAC’s latest guidance focuses on a straightforward habit you can adopt right away. When visibility is compromised by fog, heavy rain, snow, or misty windows, there’s one button most drivers already have within reach that can help you see more clearly and be seen more easily by others. The idea is simple: switch on the appropriate lighting feature to cut through the weather glare and give yourself a better view of the road ahead.

Some drivers aren’t sure which control to press in tricky weather. The RAC’s recommendation is not about an elaborate gadget, but about a practical lighting choice that works in a variety of winter conditions. By enabling this single function, you can improve how well you see and how well you’re seen by others, reducing the chances of a last‑minute maneuver or a collision caused by poor visibility.

If you’re curious about the best way to stay warm and safe at home as winter bites, or if you’re looking for dependable boiler maintenance and heating improvements, you might also consider services like Powerflush for efficient boiler care and Harrow Heating for trusted heating solutions. Keeping your home comfort up to par is part of overall winter safety, just as keeping your car in good working order is.

The one-button tip: what to press and when

In many cars, a single switch or a dedicated button is used to activate fog lights or a similar lighting aid. The RAC’s message is to press that button when visibility drops below a comfortable threshold—typically when you can’t clearly see far enough ahead to respond to hazards safely. Fog, rain, snow, mist, or icy spray can all reduce how far you can see and how well other drivers can spot you. Activating the right light setting helps:

• Improve forward illumination in dense fog or heavy precipitation
• Make your car more visible to others, especially in low‑contrast weather
• Reduce the need for abrupt braking or sudden lane changes that surprise other road users

Important: use this function correctly. Front fog lights are designed to cut through fog and improve your own visibility, but they can dazzle other road users if used when visibility is reasonable. If you’re driving in clear, dry conditions, switch them off and use your standard headlights as needed. The goal is to match the lighting to the weather, not to win a lighting feature contest.

For drivers who aren’t sure where the switch is, it’s typically near the headlight stalk or on the dashboard—often marked with a symbol that resembles a foggy lamp. If in doubt, consult your car’s owner manual. And as you press that button, remember to keep your wiper blades effective and your windows clear of frost or condensation to maximize the benefit of the extra light.

Why visibility matters so much in winter

Winter transforms the road into a moving obstacle course. Reduced daylight hours, low sun angles, and weather that hurries from drizzle to snow can all reduce visibility. A handful of small changes can have a big impact on how you respond and how safely others can respond to you.

Visible lights aren’t just about you seeing the road; they’re about others seeing you in time. When a pedestrian steps from behind a parked car or a cyclist merges from a junction, clear lighting gives everyone a better chance to react. It’s a cooperative safety measure—one that costs little but can save lives. That one-button action is a practical reminder that the simplest tools are often the most effective in the moment of need.

Beyond lights, winter visibility is also about keeping glass and surfaces clear. Frosted windows, smeared windshields, or misty rear screens create blind spots that no amount of fancy navigation can fix. So while you’re thinking about the one-button tip, pair it with a quick window clean, de‑icing routine, and a check that your washer fluid is winter-rated. A little preparation goes a long way toward maintaining clarity on the road.

Practicing safe and effective fog light use

Fog lights are a useful tool, but only when used correctly. Here are practical steps to make sure you’re using them to their best effect without causing glare for other drivers:

1. Turn on your headlights before you switch on fog lights. In most cars, fog lights should be used only when the headlights are also on.
2. Only use front fog lights in fog, heavy rain, snow, or other situations where visibility is diminished. Do not use them in clear, dry conditions as they can dazzle others.
3. Do not rely on fog lights if you have modern adaptive lighting or automatic headlights. If your car automatically dims or adapts lighting, follow the car’s guidance and use the emergency or fog feature sparingly.
4. Be mindful of legal and safety guidelines in your area. In some places, rear fog lights may be restricted to certain conditions, and misusing them can create hazards for other drivers.

If you want to explore other winter readiness steps for your vehicle, consider a quick check of your tires, battery, coolant levels, and brake condition. A well‑maintained car is less likely to be caught out by sudden weather changes. For home safety and warmth during colder periods, remember that services like Powerflush can help ensure your boiler and central heating operate efficiently, while Harrow Heating can assist with domestic heating needs to keep you comfortable when you’re off the road.

Additional steps to boost winter visibility and safety

While pressing one button can help with visibility, a suite of practical habits reinforces safety across all winter drives. Here are additional steps to consider this season:

Keep windows and lights clean

Dirty windows smear your view and reduce the effectiveness of any lighting. Before you set off, wipe down the windscreen, side windows, and mirrors. Ensure lights are clean and free of grime so light can travel unhindered. Snow and slush can quickly negate even the best lighting setup, so a quick wipe can be a quick win.

Defrost and de‑fog as a routine

Frost on the inside of windows is a common winter foe. Use the car’s defrost setting and, if needed, a quick dash of anti‑fog spray or a wipe to clear condensation. A clear path means clearer decisions and fewer surprises on the road.

Wipers and fluids for winter

Winter rain and spray demand robust wipers and winter‑rated washer fluid. Check your wiper blades for wear and replace them if they smear rather than clear. Ensure your washer reservoir is filled with fluid suitable for freezing temperatures so it doesn’t gel on cold mornings.

Tire safety and traction

Good visibility is only one layer of safety. Adequate grip matters just as much in poor weather. If you haven’t already, switch to winter or all‑season tires with proper tread depth. Proper tires improve handling, braking, and overall safety when the surface is slick or slushy. If you’re unsure about tire replacement or seasonal changes, a local pros can help you decide what’s best for your vehicle.

A few practical driving habits

Increase following distance, reduce speed, and anticipate stopping early. In fog or snow, your reaction time needs to be longer, so give yourself more space to react. Plan routes with extra time to reach your destination so you aren’t rushed into risky maneuvers. And if conditions become too hazardous, consider postponing travel if possible.

Heating and car safety: a broader winter preparedness view

Winter safety isn’t just about what you do behind the wheel. Proper home heating and preparation keep your living environment safe and comfortable, reducing the temptation to drive in weather that isn’t ideal. If your boiler or central heating isn’t performing well, or you’re planning upgrades to improve efficiency, it’s worth exploring specialist services. For boiler care and efficient heating system maintenance, Powerflush is a trusted option to consider. And for ongoing home heating needs, you can discuss your requirements with Harrow Heating, a reputable provider ready to help you stay warm through the cold months.

Maintaining a warm, comfortable home can help you stay safer and more rested, which in turn supports safer driving. When your environment at home is well managed, you’ll be less likely to rush through tasks or neglect car readiness due to cold discomfort. That balance between home comfort and car readiness contributes to overall winter safety, reducing the chance of emergencies on the road.

Conclusion: a small habit, a big safety payoff

In winter, visibility is a shared responsibility between the road and your vehicle. The RAC’s one-button tip is a simple reminder that small actions can have outsized safety benefits. By pressing the right switch to activate fog lights or similar lighting features when conditions demand it—and pairing that with a few other practical steps like window cleaning, defrosting, proper wiper maintenance, and responsible driving—you reduce the likelihood of misjudgments and collisions. This isn’t about gadgetry for gadgetry’s sake; it’s about making a practical choice that keeps you safer and more in control when weather turns hostile.

And as you prepare for winter, consider the bigger picture. Reliable home heating helps you stay warm and comfortable, which supports your wellbeing and energy resilience. If you’re thinking about boiler efficiency or heating system upgrades, services like Powerflush can help optimize your home’s heating, while Harrow Heating can provide trusted support for your heating needs at home. With a little planning, you can stay safer on the road and warmer at home this winter season.

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