With winter already having made its arrival, there are a few things that you should know before winter driving! Here are the top 10 things to check before winter driving:

 

1. Time

When driving in the winter yes unfortunately waking up a tad bit earlier to give time to prepare your car for a drive will make driving in the winter so much easier! This will allow you time for your next top tips and give ensure you are driving safely!

 

2. De-icing

Another crucial ‘must do’ for clearer view of the roads especially through the fog, snow and ice! When the weather reduces your visibility, you need to make sure your car is in the best condition to try and see through this!

But how?

Using your temperature controls correctly can help this!

  • Switching the heating on ton warm will help melt the snow and ice
  • Turn the air vents towards the windows and windscreen to direct the heat to melt the ice
  • Turn on the air conditioning to avoid moisture from condensation!

But this could take up to 10-15min!! too long? – use a de-icer fluid to speed up the process!

Also, make sure the windscreen wipers are not stuck to the windscreen.

 

3. Headlights

First off clean your headlights! Cleaning them will allow for clearer display and higher visibility for you!

– This can be done with glass cleaner or for tougher dirt, equal parts of toothpaste and baking soda scrubbing with a toothbrush on the headlights and washing off with water and wiping away with a microfibre cloth.

What else?

Make sure you know which headlights to use in winter. This is important especially in the fog, rain or snowy weathers that are on its way!

 

4. Anti-freeze

This is a solution to prevent overheating of the vehicle engine. It should be diluted with water on a 50:50 ratio creating a coolant. Make sure you have enough as the last thing you want is for your car to breakdown in winter and repair bills – this will not help the cost-of-living bills that are stacking up!

 

5. Tyres

Check your tyres are a minimum of 3mm, if they are worn out to under 1.6mm it is not only illegal but can be a hazard and dangerous when driving in winter – you do not want to be ice skating with your car on the winter roads – stick to skating on foot in the ice rink!

 

6. Car battery

Low temperatures can have a serious impact on car batteries! Make sure you check your batteries are in good conditions – batteries can usually last up to 5years but weaken with time and with this UK climate, it is a good chance this will last only a short amount of time! So, check them regularly!

  • Use a voltmeter to check – aim for 4v +.
  • Use less power through windscreen wipers, heating etc
  • Check for corrosion on the batteries.

 

7. Fuel

Do you have enough fuel? Make sure you are topped up – you don’t want to be stranded!

 

8. Speed

Make sure you drive steady and slowly in the ice and snow and especially if there is black ice about – the invisible but deadly villain of winter.

Doing this will avoid skidding, sliding and avoid accidents that could put you and those around you in danger. – not to mention, you’ll get late!!

Driving in high gear = more control

– Through the snow and ice, using second gear will give you more control and grip – allowing for easier driving and steering.

 

9. Distance

Space space space! When driving through snow, ice and heavy rain, check there is a good amount of space between you and the vehicle ahead!

Stopping distance is increased by 2/3 seconds so you need to make sure you are not only driving slowly but there is a good amount of distance to prevent accidents – the last thing you want on your morning school drops offs or journeys to work!

 

10. Survival Kit

Emergency car breakdown? Make sure you are prepared! Keep a survival kit including the following:

  • De-icer and scraper
  • First aid kit
  • Shovel
  • A blanket
  • Torch
  • Non-perishable food and drinks (you will get hungry)
  • Spare batteries
  • Power bank to charge your phone
  • Jump leads
  • High visibility vests, and waterproofs in case the weather worsens!

 

Alternatively, need a new car, fit for winter driving? Click here to check out our showrooms and find the perfect one for you!