Driving In Winter: Six Ways You Can Prepare Your Car
We’re less than a month away from winter weather. So it’s important to prepare yourself and your car for poor driving conditions…
Invest In A New Battery
Car batteries tend to suffer during winter. Cold weather reduces their output, whilst drivers increase the strain on them via heating and lighting. As a result, a lot of them end up failing. Make sure to check yours before the cold weather sets in. If yours is getting a bit old, you should consider replacing it entirely.
Prepare A Breakdown Kit
No matter how much you prepare and plan ahead, you may find yourself breaking down over the course of winter. Should this happen, you want to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. Pack a kit consisting of a torch and spare batteries, a fully charged mobile phone, a shovel for freeing tyres and footwear with solid grip. Some warm clothing or blankets, plus some food and water won’t go amiss either.
Keep An Eye On Your Tyres
Winter driving is all about grip (or a lack thereof). Slippy and icy roads can make taking to the wheel exceptionally dangerous. So it’s important that your tyres have an appropriate level of tread depth. Check that yours are in a good condition and have plenty of depth before poor weather arrives. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but safety requires much more; ideally 3mm.
Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended Whilst It’s Defrosting
Every year there’s a spike in car thefts during the winter. Why? Because people leave their engines running in order to defrost their cars, only to leave them unattended. Thieves know this. Don’t put your vehicle at risk of being stolen, stay with it as it defrosts.
Keep Antifreeze And Coolant Topped Up
Your engine coolant should consist of a 50 / 50 mix of antifreeze and water. Many motorists accidentally dilute the mixture by adding too much water. Make sure to top up your antifreeze, otherwise your engine’s cooling system may end up freezing and you’ll face an eye-watering repair bill.
Keep Your Car’s Lights Clean
Winter driving means facing up to reduced visibility due to darker mornings and nights. So it’s crucial that your lights work properly and aren’t obscured by dirt or debris. Make sure to check their brightness before setting out on journeys and give them a thorough clean; damp, dirt and ice can all quickly build up and reduce their brightness.
Car Repairs: These Are The Five Most Expensive You Can Face – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/car-repairs-these-are-the-five-most-expensive-you-can-face/
Drivers Have Collectively Spent £25 Million On Motorway Recoveries – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/drivers-have-collectively-spent-25-million-on-motorway-recoveries/
