4 Great Tips for Winter Driving Reliiability

Great Tips for Winter Driving

Do these simple checks and make sure its not you on the hard shoulder

A well prepared car will go a long way to staving off the rigours of the harsh winter driving conditions.

For the ease of maintenance and daily/weekly self-checks, I have broken the checks into easy sections for you.

See, and Be Seen

Mechanical - Under the Hood and Common Sense

Get a Grip

Creature Comforts

1. See, and Be Seen

Make sure that you are visible to other road users.

Regularly check all your outside lights. 

Ask someone to check them with you, or see your reflection. If its a new car to you, get to know where all your controls are, especially fog lights. Also be sure you understand the ventilation controls to stop misting up (Advise not to use the recirculate control, it causes mist inside the car, and doesn't make it warmer).

Make sure that you have clear vision.

Check that your wipers clear the screen effectively. You can clean them with white vinegar on a cloth (WIndscreen too) to clear the build up of rubber and road grime.

If your wipers seem smeary, or dont give great vision, get them replaced - many of the car parts places will happily fit them for you. Give your screen a really good clean inside too - it helps to prevent it misting up too fast.

DON'T FORGET TO TOP UP SCREEN WASH

Top Up regularly with ANTI-FREEZE screen wash. You will use them more in these Winter months, don't wait until you run out, make it a habit to top up regularly. Buy the Screen Wash that doesn't require dilution as it is more efficient, less chance of freezing too, and keep it in your boot for top-ups.

2. Mechanical - Under the Hood and Common Sense

Dont ignore those vital levels checks.

Become familiar with these regular checks to keep your car in perfect order

Dip the oil and top up if necessary.

Check the coolant level - only top up when cold - it is much too hot to top up when the engine is hot.

Brake Fluid - Usually a warning light will indicate if this is low. In normal driving conditions, your car shouldn't use much fluid in between servicing (always ask your garage to check levels for you).

Warning Lights on the Dashboard - Dont ignore these, even if your car seems to be running fine. You dont want it to be you on the hard shoulder on a cold windy night…..

Get them checked out if they appear on your dash.

 3.Get a Grip

Your ‘Connection’ with the road are your tyres.

Make sure you are winter ready.

Invest in a Tyre depth gauge and a tyre pressure gauge. They are cheap enough online and available from motorist discount stores. Make checking tyre depths and pressures part of your regular routines. If the tyres are wearing unevenly, get a tracking or 4 wheel alignment carried out at your local tyre depot (save money by not having your tyres wear prematurely). If one tyre keeps losing pressure, again take it to your tyre centre for checking and puncture repair.

Tyre Pressures

Make sure your tyres are the right pressure. It not only makes for safe winter driving and safe stopping distances, but also reduces tyre wear and can improve your MPG.

Tyre Tread Depth

Do make sure you have ideally +3-4mm minimum tread depth - over at least 75% of the tyre tread width. A minimum depth of tread ensures improved grip and safer stopping distances in Winter.

WInter Tyres

Consider some winter or ‘All-Year’ tyres.

They give greater grip advantages and are often more fuel efficient and often much quieter too.

4. Creature Comforts

Make up an “Emergency Kit” in a box to keep in your boot.

Make a kit with a spray de-icer, an ice scraper, a set of jump leads, and even a tyre inflator. I also keep a pair of walking boots and socks in there too.

Prepare for the unexpected, and be a step ahead of whatever the Winter can throw at you.