With winter approaching, driving conditions can become more
challenging around the UK with snow, heavy rain and windy conditions
potentially causing havoc!
For trouble free motoring and peace of mind this festive
season, check out our top tips for keeping safe on the roads this winter.
Use Antifreeze
It’s important to use screenwash in the car’s washer tank to
prevent freezing and subsequently cracking. Depending on the product selected,
this also acts as an anti-freeze to prevent re-icing and the washer jets
freezing over. It’s not recommended to use standard antifreeze in the washer
tank due to its corrosive tendencies when exposed to rubber trims and paint
work. For anti-freeze in the car’s cooling system, check the recommended brand
in the driver’s handbook as often new vehicles have a long-life anti-freeze
that is best not mixed with other types. Ideally, a 50/50 mix is required with
water to ensure the radiator and overall car health remains optimised. If the
car begins to overheat after only a short time of driving it is likely the
radiator is frozen and the water cannot absorb the engine heat. The best course
of action here is to safely stop and allow it to thaw.
Maintain Safe Vision
Before setting off on your journey ensure all ice and leaves
are cleared from the windscreen and windows. Additionally, spray from other
vehicles, especially wagons, can result in a build-up of grime that can
seriously obscure vision, especially when combined with dazzle from the low
winter sun and dirt on the inside. Clear any remaining snow from the roof as
this may fall during driving and cause visibility issues. Although in the daily
commute it’s difficult not to rush, make sure both the front and rear
windscreens are fully de-misted before hitting the road. Often it’s the small
things neglected that cause the greatest hazard and poor condition windscreen
wipers fall into this category. Replace the blades when they begin to smear and
don’t leave them on the windscreen in a parked position as they may freeze to
the glass and become damaged when you turn the ignition on again.
Although not an attractive task in the colder months, it’s
important to ensure your vehicle remains clean, not for aesthetical but
practical purposes. Keeping headlamp lenses clean improves visibility,
maximising light from the bulbs.
Safe Tyres For Safe
Miles
For winter, 3mm is the optimum tread depth to ensure
sufficient grip with the correct PSI indicated in the driver’s handbook. Reducing
tyre pressure doesn’t improve grip, in fact it reduces stability and handling.
Although snow chains are excessive (unless you live in a particularly isolated
location) changing your tyres for winter is a smart option. Selecting winter or
all season tyres improves grip in wetter conditions as the higher silica
content results in the tread hardening in lower temperatures, retaining their
intended form. When setting of in snow, do so with low revs in 2nd
gear, trying not to stop on hills by maintaining a constant steady speed to
maximise handling. If approach a downwards hill try to use engine brake through
selecting a low gear and being light on the brakes, keeping a safe distance
from any vehicles in front. The key is to approach manoeuvres gently, avoiding
over steering and excessive speeds/braking.
Make Your Winter
Electric
As weather conditions deteriorate and the rain begins to
fall, extra demand is placed on your vehicles battery as lights, heaters and
wipers are all powered from the same hub. This can cause issues when driving in
poor weather in the dark, common in rush hour commutes when the clocks go back.
Batteries have an average life span of around 5 years so it’s best to consider
replacement when yours begins to approach this age, avoiding inconveniences
such as the car failing to start. It’s important to turn all electrically
powered features off before attempting to start the car as these only drain the
power that’s provided. It is also handy to avoid running electrical appliances
in the car longer than necessary, such as the rear window heater and the front
heater fan.
Plan Your Journey
Take time to plan your route, selecting those that are
likely to have been gritted or cleared of any storm debris or snow. Factoring
in a delay means you are less tempted to rush and subsequently make a mistake.
Give yourself a good ten minutes to de-ice the car windscreen and warm up the
engine. Sensible shoes mean more responsive driving and avoid heavy braking and
over revving.
When driving this winter remember: preparation is
everything!