AutoPlanet News & Views: Are You Geared Up For Winter?

To make sure you stay safe on the roads during the inclement weather, follow our helpful motoring tips...

Winter motoring requires special care and a little preparation if you’re to avoid a breakdown or accident. We’ve put together a list of easy to follow advice for combating Wintery conditions. Just remember, use common sense, don’t risk your life or the lives of others.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze costs only a few pounds, but a cracked engine block will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

A 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system is needed in winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34° centigrade, and without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.

Vision

Through the winter months dazzle from the low sun can be a particular problem. Improve vision significantly by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Scratches, abrasion and chips on the outside can also worsen the dazzling effect of the sun.

Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows. Keep the windscreen and other windows clear – if your vision is obscured through dirt or snow you could face a hefty fine. Check windscreen wipers and replace if necessary.

Windscreen washer fluid should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Don’t use ordinary engine antifreeze as it will damage paintwork. Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view and can also be a hazard to other road users.

Visibility

Check that all bulbs are working and that headlights are clean and aimed correctly. You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights but these must be switched off when visibility improves as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights.

Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible.

Tyres

Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter motoring, and certainly no less than 2mm.

Don’t reduce tyre pressures to get more grip – it doesn’t work, and reduces stability. Check you have a working jack and wheel brace, and that you know how to change a wheel if necessary.

Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have a higher silicone content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions.

Preparing To Travel

Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Don’t drive off with a tiny hole cleared in your windscreen. Clear all windows of snow and ice using a scraper and de-icer.

Besides an ice scraper and de-icer, it’s worth carrying a mobile phone with fully charged battery, torch, first-aid kit, tow rope, blankets, warm coat and boots, jump leads, snow shovel, warning triangle, an old sack or rug (to put under the wheels if you do get stuck) and water repellent spray.

Put safety first when the bad weather closes in, it's always a good idea to allow extra time in winter for your journey.

Driving In Snow And Ice

Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.

Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving. Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

When climbing a hill it’s important to avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front. Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.

When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.

Always apply brakes gently. release them and de-clutch if the car skids. If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

If it's been some time since you last had your car serviced a Winter Check would help to make sure that your car is fully prepared for the conditions. At Waters AutoPlanet we can offer a winter check at any of our branches:

AutoPlanet Chingford

AutoPlanet Maidstone

AutoPlanet Southampton