Winter Motoring

As the freezing weather really starts to bite, take a few moments to consider your driving style and preparing your car for the icy roads

Tips for driving in the snow:

1. Make sure your windows and mirrors are clear before setting off. ..

2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. ...

3. Drive slowly and smoothly. ...

4. Practice looking that little bit further ahead. ...

5. The normal dry road following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. ...

6. Use your brakes more gently - don't rely on the ABS system. ...

7. Keep moving if you can - particularly up hills. ...

8. Use your accelerator as if it has a fresh egg lodged under it - reduce power going up hills. ...

9. If possible - stay home. ...

How do I prepare my car for winter?

1. Put a “winter supply” box in your car - blankets, gloves, shovel, tow rope, jump leads, food etc. ...

2. Check your engine coolant antifreeze strength and level. ...

3. Check your tyre pressure and tread depth - maybe fit winter tyres. ...

4. Use winter windscreen washer fluid. ...

5. Check the condition of the windscreen wiper blades. ...

6. Maybe switch to a winter grade engine oil (check your vehicle handbook. ...

7. Check your lights are ALL working. ...

8. Check you have breakdown cover in place - the call out times are likely to be above average at this time of year but good as a last resort. ...