WINTER is now well and truly upon us and driving conditions are going to get no better over the next couple of months.
Make sure you are ready for winter on the roads as frost, ice or snow make things difficult. The potential for breakdowns is also heightened during the winter, with batteries often struggling to cope with the colder temperatures.
The points below which might just help you get through the winter with minimal disruption:
Get your vehicle serviced
The cold weather can cause a number of problems, so if your car is due a service, make sure you get it done before winter really kicks in. Any possible problems could be prevented by regular, thorough service and maintenance checks.
Check your tyres
Making sure your tyres are in good condition is vital during the winter. Snow and ice can dramatically decrease your tyres ability to grip the road, making breaking more difficult.
It can be worth investing in some new tyres if your tread marginal on the legal minimum depth of 1.6mm. This will significantly increase road grip and stopping ability.
Keep an emergency breakdown kit in your car
As previously mentioned, breakdowns are more likely to occur during winter because of the cooler temperatures.
Keeping an emergency kit in the car could be a lifesaver should you happen to break down. It is a good idea to include…
- A torch with spare batteries
- A blanket
- Warm clothes
- Food
- Water
- De-icer
- A first aid kit
- A hi-vis jacket
- Jumpstart cables
- A fuel can
Check your breakdown cover
More so than any other, Winter is the season that requires good breakdown cover. Making sure you are covered and know exactly what you are covered for could be the difference between being stranded in the cold or at home in the warm.
Finding the right insurance for a good price can be a bit of a pain, so make sure to shop around to find the best deal.
Plan ahead
Being prepared for you journey is only ever a good thing, especially in the winter. Before setting off it is wise to check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. As the law states, you must be able to see out of every panel of glass on your vehicle, so make sure any snow or ice that is obstructing your view is removed prior to your journey.
To avoid rushing and potentially putting yourself and other road users in danger, make sure you allow yourself enough time to reach your destination safely.
