subject: 10 Steps To Staying Safe On The Roads This Winter [print this page] 10 Steps To Staying Safe On The Roads This Winter
The cold weather has already begun and with a few months of winter still to go, many people are expected to suffer vehicle breakdowns. With that in mind, here are 10 steps to help you avoid ending up on the hard shoulder and remain safe at all times.
1. One of the most important steps you can take is to get your battery checked. Flat batteries are responsible for numerous breakdowns every year, so make sure yours is ready for the cold snap.
2. It is important to make sure all your vehicle fluids, including screen wash, petrol, oil and anti-freeze, are topped up ready for winter.
3. Even if your vehicle is running correctly, you don't want to find yourself waiting for screens to thaw out, so make sure you have a scraper and some de-icer in the car. And whatever you do, don't use boiling water!
4. Where heavy snow is expected, it may be a good idea to keep a shovel in the car. That way, if you've left your car for a while and it's surrounded by the white stuff, you can dig your way out.
5. Blankets and extra clothes should be kept in the car, just in case the worst should happen and your car does end up breaking down.
6. Because you may have to wait a long time for roadside rescue, it's also a good idea to keep food and water in the car.
7. In extreme cold temperatures, diesel additives like cold flow improvers, may be required to make sure the vehicle performs correctly and the fuel remains as a liquid.
8. Check tyre tread and inflation regularly and particularly before any long journeys you intend to take over winter.
9. You should also make sure your head and break lights are working correctly and that your windscreen wipers are fully functioning.
10. Above all else, make sure you drive safely. That means not driving when tired or under the influence of alcohol.
It may be a good idea to find out more on diesel additives, like cold flow improvers, and see how they could benefit you this winter.
