Winter comes around every year but still people are caught out by changing weather conditions due to lack of preparation. In fact, the number of people is said to be one in three drivers according to a recent survey by Manheim Auctions.
The survey found that a significant number of motorists were failing to make changes to their vehicle in preparation for the colder weather. So what can you do to prepare for the winter roads? Here a few things you can do.
Checking the Car
Having something fail on the car during a harsh winter is not an option, so make sure you check and do the following.
Get Serviced – for peace of mind during the winter months, have a professional mechanic look over your car to make sure there aren’t going to be any imminent problems.
Fluids – you certainly don’t want to run out of screenwash, anti-freeze, oil and water during your journey so make sure all fluids are at the right levels (a mechanic can check this for you).
Tyres – if you’re not going to be running winter tyres during the cold period then at least make sure your current tyres have sufficient tread to deal with the possible extreme conditions.
Check Lights – light conditions can be dark, even during the day, so make sure you can see and be seen by others by making sure all your lights are working correctly.
Visibility – make sure your windscreen is fully defrosted and all snow is cleared from all the windows and the roof (you don’t want the windscreen to be covered when you brake) before setting off.
Fuel – make sure you keep at least half a tank of fuel. As well as making it easier for the car to start, you never know if you’ll have to take a diversion due to road closure; don’t be caught short.
Things to Pack
A winter accident could leave you stuck on the side of the road for a long period of time, so packing a few essentials will keep you safe and ready for any eventuality.
Mobile Phone – if you have an accident or are stuck somewhere make sure you always have a way of contacting someone. Make sure you keep the battery charged – you could buy an in-car charger.
Warm Blanket – if your caught in non-moving traffic it could get cold, make sure you can keep warm and comfortable.
Warning Triangle – if you breakdown then you need to make yourself as visible as possible. A warning triangle can be placed further down the road to make motorists aware of the hazard ahead.
Jump Leads – make sure your car can be started at all times.
Torch – if you have a problem with your car you may need to inspect it from the outside in the cold, having a torch will help greatly in this task.
Driving Tips
Winter driving is a different experience to ‘everyday’ driving so make sure you:-
Plan Your Route – check online or on the radio for any information on traffic or road closures. The shortest route may not always be the safest.
Be Gentle – accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early.
Take Your Time – if you need to be somewhere by a certain time, leave much earlier.
Stay Calm and Read the Road – try to judge the road ahead so that there is no need to make any frantic judgements which may cause your car to skid.
And as always, only make essential journeys and don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger.
MJP Motoring Solicitors
Nov, 04, 2011
Winter tyres can make all the difference whether its snow and ice or just heavy rain. The temperature only has to drop below 7 degrees to make things difficult for driving.
Great advice on winter preparation, just a couple of items missing. First of all a shovel would be really useful, a hi-viz jacket or parka (not expensive these days), and maybe crampons for shoes incase you need to abandon your vehicle for any reason. And of course a thermos flask with a hot beverage in case you need to wait to be rescued.
All excellent advice. Thank-you.