Car Prep For Winter: For Safe Driving

Instead of fretting about the coming cold weather and how it affects the roads, make sure you prepare your car for winter.

After all, as citizens of the United Kingdom, we know more than most that there's no getting around winter. It comes, it snows, but it doesn’t quite conquer… to badly paraphrase Julius Caesar.

With shorter days and dark, cold nights, the change from autumn to winter acts as a perfect reminder to carry out some essential checks on your car.

Although some snowfall has already taken parts of the country, it would be prudent to carry out these check-ups before more severe weather. In recent years poor weather has brought motorways to a standstill.

If you are uncomfortable making the checks yourself, seek help from a mechanic. Ask them to have a look at the following items - battery, antifreeze levels, tyres, and brakes.

How To Prepare My Car For Winter

Before you start a car journey, take a few minutes to make sure your car is safe. Prepare your car for extreme cold. This is especially important during the winter months.

Car Headlight Checks

Check the lights - both at the front and back - to make sure they're working properly. Don't forget to check the hazard lights too; they're important for letting others know you're there.

Car Fluids & Screenwash

In cold weather, the liquid you use to clean your windshield can freeze and block your view. To prevent this, use windshield fluid that has anti-freeze in it. This helps avoid the danger of having a frozen and blocked windshield, which can be unsafe.

Car Wiper Blades

Pay attention to your wiper blades. If they're old and not working well, it's time to replace them. Wiper blades are essential for clearing away rain, snow, or ice from your windshield, so they need to be in good shape.

Making sure your wiper blades can cut through snow and ice is crucial for safe driving. Especially in bad weather.

Car Battery

Take a moment to inspect your car's battery before hitting the road. Start by examining the battery terminals for cleanliness and secure connections. If you notice any corrosion, use a battery-cleaning brush to remove it. Additionally, ensure that the battery is securely mounted in its tray.

If your battery is several years old or shows signs of weakening it might be wise to have it tested.

Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing services. If the battery is unreliable, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Remember, a properly functioning battery is essential for starting your car. A little attention in this area can go a long way in preventing an inconvenient situation.

Exhaust System

Give your exhaust system a quick once-over to ensure it's in good shape. Look for any visible signs of damage, rust, or holes in the exhaust pipes.

If you notice any leaks or suspect issues with the exhaust, it's advisable to have a professional inspection. Regular checks of the exhaust system contribute to the performance of your vehicle. As well as its environmental impact.

Car Fuel Levels

Before embarking on your journey, check your fuel gauge and ensure you have an adequate amount of fuel for the trip. Running out of fuel can lead to unnecessary delays, especially in areas where refuelling options may be limited.

Consider your route and the distance you'll be covering, factoring in any potential diversions or unexpected delays. It's a good practice to keep your fuel level above a quarter of the tank to avoid the risk of running out.

By doing these simple checks before you hit the road, you're making sure your car is in good shape and ready for the journey.

Taking a little time to look after key components of a car can go a long way in ensuring a safe and smooth ride.

The Importance of Tyres

Ensure that you check the tread depth of your tyres. You may have noticed that we bang on about this quite a lot – with very good reason.

Your tyres are important when it comes to road safety, especially in the winter months. If your tyres’ tread wears down, replace them sooner rather than later.

In the UK, the legal tread depth of a car tyre is 1.6mm across 75% of the circumference of the tyre.

Winter & All Season Tyres

When it comes to driving in winter, the type of tyre on your vehicle will play a pivotal role. Especially once the temperatures drop to 7°C or lower.

Driving on summer tyres in freezing conditions can pose a significant issue. The rubber compound tends to solidify, and this can lead to a noticeable decrease in tyre grip.

This is where the importance of winter and all-season tyres becomes evident. A winter tyre has a rubber compound containing a higher percentage of natural rubber. This enables the tyre to maintain its elasticity - even in low temperatures.

The advantages of winter tyres extend beyond the rubber compound. The tread design of winter tyres remains supple. Allowing the tyre to flex and adapt to the contours of the road surface.

Statistics underscore the importance of winter tyres in winter conditions. On average, a vehicle fitted with winter tyres will come to a stop on snow after 35 meters.

In comparison, a vehicle equipped with summer tyres will often require an extra 8 metres. That is roughly the equivalent of two car lengths.

This stark contrast highlights how winter tyres can be the decisive factor between stopping and being involved in a road accident during the winter weather.

Besides winter tyres, another viable option for winter driving is all-season tyres.

These tyres are designed to provide a balance of performance in various weather conditions. Offering a middle ground between summer and winter tyres.

While they may not match the specialised performance of winter tyres in extreme cold and snow, all-season tyres provide versatility that can be helpful in milder winter conditions. AS well as throughout the year.

Ultimately, the choice between winter and all-season tyres depends on the specific climate and driving conditions you drive in.

Ensuring your vehicle is equipped with the right tyres is a proactive step towards enhancing safety and performance during the winter months.

Winter Emergency Supplies For Car

If you are unlucky enough and your car breaks down, or you are stuck in a traffic jam, you could find yourself stuck on the side of the road.

In this worst-case scenario, you will need supplies to keep safe and warm until help arrives or the traffic resumes moving.

Make sure to pack your car with a few fundamental items. Items to keep in your car for emergencies include, but are not limited to:

• Snow/ice scraper
• Shovel
• First aid kit
• Torch
• Supply of batteries
• Blankets
• Extra clothes
• Bottled water
• Snacks – granola bars can be a good source of fibre and protein.

Before a journey always make sure that you have your mobile phone on you and that is is fully charged.

A phone charger that can be used in your car is also a useful device to keep in the car.