Hints & tips
Are you and your car prepared for the winter?
The winter presents particular difficulties for motorists, and the sudden onset of a cold snap may catch you unawares. Ensure you are better prepared for winter motoring by taking a few simple measures:
- Ensure your tyres are regularly checked for pressure and tread. No less than 3mm tread is suitable.
- Allow additional time to de-ice and clear your windows completely - don't be tempted to drive while your windows are only partially clear.
- Don't leave the car unattended with your engine running to clear your windows.
- Ensure your lights are all working, and they are clean and that headlamps are correctly aligned.
- Use a special windscreen wash solution that is suitable for sub zero temperatures to avoid freezing.
- Check your anti-freeze levels are adequate for sub-zero temperatures or get your local garage to check this for you. A combination of half anti-freeze to half water will be sufficient.
- Consider taking out car breakdown insurance.
- Allow extra time for your journey, and don't worry about arriving late at the expense of the safety of yourself and others.
- Be prepared for snow by keeping the following essentials in your car; ice scraper, de-icer, torch, a blanket for warmth if you are stranded, an old blanket or sheet to place under your wheels if they become stuck in ice, a bottle of water, a shovel, additional warm clothes and boots, first aid kit, chocolate bar, jump leads.
- Use major roads where possible which are more likely to have been gritted.
- Drive slowly through standing water only if you know the depth, and dip the clutch to rev the engine to avoid water getting into the exhaust.
