Winter brings a different set of road dangers. In Punjab, thick fog shuts motorways at night, while smog hangs over Lahore for weeks. Up north, snow and black ice catch tourists off guard. This guide on winter driving in Pakistan explains how to handle each one safely.
Safety note: Road closures and advisories change every day in winter. So always check the latest update from the Motorway Police (130) or local police before you leave.
What Makes Winter Driving in Pakistan Risky
Our winter is not the same everywhere. For example, the plains of Punjab and upper Sindh face fog, especially in December and January. Meanwhile, Lahore and other Punjab cities deal with smog from around November. In addition, Murree, the Galiyat, Swat and the northern valleys get snow and ice.
Each problem needs a different response. Therefore, winter driving in Pakistan starts with knowing what you will face on your route. The table below gives a quick overview.
Condition
Where It Hits
Main Risk
Best Response
Dense fog
Motorways, GT Road, Punjab plains
Near-zero visibility, pile-ups
Travel in daylight, fog lights, big gaps
Smog
Lahore and other Punjab cities
Poor visibility, health problems
Recirculate cabin air, slow down
Snow
Murree, Galiyat, Swat, Naran, GB
Skids, blocked roads
Chains, low gears, start early
Black ice
Shaded bends, bridges, early mornings
Sudden loss of grip
Slow, smooth inputs, no hard braking
Cold mornings
Everywhere, mainly the north
Weak battery, slow starts
Test battery, gentle warm-up
Get Your Car Ready for Winter Driving in Pakistan
A quick check in November prevents most winter breakdowns. First of all, test the battery, because cold weather weakens it. If it is more than two or three years old and cranks slowly, read our guide to replacing a car battery.
Coolant: use the correct coolant mix instead of plain water, especially for trips to the north.
Fog lights: make sure the front and rear fog lamps both work.
Wipers and washer: replace hard, cracked blades.
Heater and defogger: test them before the first cold morning.
Tyres: check tread and pressure, since cold air lowers pressure.
Brakes: get pads and fluid checked before any hill trip.
Coolant matters more than most people think. In fact, plain water can freeze in sub-zero nights and crack engine parts. Our engine coolant guide explains the right type and mix for your car.
Winter Driving in Pakistan in Dense Fog
Fog is one of the biggest winter dangers on our highways. Indeed, visibility can drop to a few metres within minutes. As a result, chain crashes are a real risk on the motorways and the GT Road.
The Motorway Police repeat the same advice every season. Specifically, they ask drivers to use fog lights, keep a bigger gap and avoid high beams. They also advise travel in daytime, roughly between 10 am and the evening, and no needless night journeys.
Use dipped headlights and fog lights, never high beam, because it reflects off the fog.
Follow the white lane markings rather than the tail lights ahead.
Do not overtake, since you cannot see oncoming traffic on single roads.
Keep the radio low and open a window slightly so that you can hear traffic.
Never stop on the road itself; instead, pull well off at a safe spot.
When the Motorway Closes for Fog
During heavy fog, the Motorway Police temporarily close sections of motorways for safety. For instance, in December 2025 they shut parts of the M-2 and M-11 when fog thickened. Usually, they reopen the road once visibility improves.
When the news says the motorway closed due to fog, do not treat it as a nuisance to beat. Instead, see it as a warning. If you take the GT Road as a detour, the same fog will likely be there, but with trucks, donkey carts and no barriers. Therefore, the safer choice is often to wait.
Before you leave, call 130 or check the Motorway Police social media pages. They also share updates on FM 95 radio. In addition, carry water, snacks and a full tank, because you may wait for hours.
Driving Through Smog in Punjab
Smog in Lahore often lasts for weeks in late autumn and early winter. It is both a visibility and a health problem. Moreover, on bad days it mixes with fog and cuts visibility even more. So drive slower than usual and switch on dipped headlights.
Inside the car, set the AC to recirculate so that outside smoke stays out. Also, replace a dirty cabin filter before the season starts. Children, elders and asthma patients feel the effects first, particularly in traffic jams.
Your own car should not add to the problem either. For example, in November 2025, Punjab Traffic Police reported fining more than 48,000 smoke-emitting vehicles in an anti-smog drive. Keep your engine tuned, and read our guide on the green emission sticker in Punjab.
Winter Driving in Pakistan on Snow and Black Ice
Snow trips to Murree and the Galiyat are popular. However, many visitors have never driven on snow. In January 2026, Murree Police said vehicles needed snow chains to enter during snowfall. They also asked drivers to avoid driving after dark and keep about 50 metres from the car ahead.
Fill the fuel tank before you climb.
Fit chains early, as soon as the car starts to slip.
Use second gear and gentle throttle on slopes.
Go downhill in a low gear, since brakes alone can lock the wheels.
Treat shaded bends and bridges as icy, especially early in the morning.
Do not park on main roads, so that snow ploughs can pass.
Black ice looks like a wet road but has almost no grip. If you hit it, keep the wheel straight and lift off the pedals. Similarly, avoid sudden steering. For what to do if snow traps you, see how to stay safe in a car stuck in snow.
Further north, high passes close once heavy snow arrives. For instance, the Diamer administration closed the Babusar–Naran road in late November 2025 until further notice. So never plan a winter trip on passes you have only seen in summer.
Snow Gear Prices and Options
Chains are the main item for snow trips. Online listings on PakWheels and OLX show a wide range, depending on tyre size. Prices change, so confirm before buying.
Item
Approx Price
Good For
Anti-skid grip strips
Around Rs 2,300 to 2,500
Short stretches, getting unstuck
Snow chains, small car
Around Rs 4,000 to 6,500 per pair
Alto, Mehran, Cultus size tyres
Snow chains, sedan or SUV
Around Rs 7,000 to 12,000 per pair
Corolla, Civic, crossovers
Large 4×4 chains
Up to about Rs 15,000
Pickups and big SUVs
Also, practise fitting chains at home once, because doing it for the first time on a freezing slope is much harder. In addition, check that the chain size matches the size printed on your tyre wall.
Heaters and Carbon Monoxide
In January 2022, 22 people died in Murree after heavy snow trapped thousands of cars. According to Dawn, police said many stranded tourists closed their windows and ran car heaters. As a result, exhaust fumes likely built up inside the cars.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow at all times.
Open a window slightly whenever the heater runs.
Run the engine only in short spells, and use blankets in between.
Never use a gas heater or coal angeethi inside a car.
In addition, get the exhaust system checked before winter. A leaking silencer or rusted pipe can push fumes into the cabin even on normal drives. So if you feel a headache, dizziness or sleepiness with the heater on, open the windows at once.
Cold Starts on Winter Mornings
Many people idle their cars for ten minutes on cold mornings. However, modern fuel-injected engines do not need that. Generally, 20 to 60 seconds of idling is enough. After that, drive gently and avoid high revs until the temperature needle rises.
If the engine cranks slowly, do not hold the key for long. Instead, try for a few seconds and then wait before trying again. Otherwise, you may drain the battery fully. Our guide on why a car won’t start covers other causes too.
To clear misted glass, run the heater with the AC on, since the AC dries the air. Also, choose fresh air mode for a few minutes. Meanwhile, use the rear defogger to clear the back screen.
Plan Long Winter Trips Wisely
On long routes like the M-2, M-5 or the N-5, winter driving in Pakistan needs extra time in the plan. For example, leave after the morning fog lifts rather than at dawn. Similarly, aim to reach your stop before dark, since fog often returns at night.
Long, dark evenings also make drivers sleepy. Therefore, take a break every two hours, and share the driving if you can. On national highways, watch for slow trucks and tractor trolleys with weak or missing tail lights. In short, patience matters more than speed during winter driving in Pakistan.
Winter Driving in Pakistan: Emergency Kit and Numbers
A small winter kit can save a long night. For winter driving in Pakistan, keep these items in the boot from November to February:
Blankets, gloves, caps and extra socks.
Water, dry fruit and biscuits.
A torch, a power bank and a reflective triangle.
A small shovel, chains and a tow rope for snow trips.
Basic medicines and a first aid box.
Save the key numbers too, so that help is one call away. Call 130 for the Motorway Police, 1122 for rescue and 15 for the police. Murree Police also listed 15 as their emergency helpline in their January 2026 advisory.
FAQs
What is the safest time for winter driving in Pakistan?
Daytime is safest. The Motorway Police generally advise travel between about 10 am and the evening during fog season. In snow areas, police also ask drivers to avoid driving after dark.
Should I use hazard lights in fog?
Use them only when you stop or crawl. While moving, rely on dipped headlights and fog lamps instead. Otherwise, other drivers cannot see your indicators.
Do I need snow chains for Murree?
During snowfall, yes. Murree Police said in January 2026 that vehicles needed chains to enter. Rules can change, so check the latest advisory before you go.
Is it safe to sleep in a car with the heater on?
No, not with closed windows, especially in snow. Exhaust fumes can enter the cabin, particularly if snow blocks the exhaust pipe. Therefore, keep a window slightly open and the pipe clear.
How do I prepare my car for winter driving in Pakistan?
Check the battery, coolant, fog lights, wipers, heater, tyres and brakes in November. Also, pack a winter kit, and carry chains if you plan to visit the hills.
Final Word
Safe winter driving in Pakistan depends on timing and patience. Drive in daylight, use fog lights, keep big gaps and respect road closures. In snow, carry chains and keep the exhaust clear. Finally, check updates on the National Highways and Motorway Police website before every long winter trip.
