subject: Dont Get Snowed In This Year [print this page] Last year the whole of the UK felt a true cold snap, with more snowfall than anyone had seen for a long time. Many long range weather forecasts that cover the rest of the year have predicted below average temperatures and a high likelihood of snow, so if you want to be prepared you should put some preventative measures in place while the autumn is still in full swing.
Everyone knows that snow and ice can cause havoc on the roads, with drivers caught unawares by black ice and slippery road surfaces. One of the easiest ways to combat this is to simply ensure that your tyres are in good condition and that the treads havent worn down. You should have a minimum 3mm tread on your tyres if you want to be able to put up a fight during winter weather, but an even better solution would be to invest in some winter tyres. These tyres offer superior grip at lower temperatures and are made specifically for driving on wet or snowy surfaces. Your local autocentre should be able to fit a set for you quickly and relatively cheaply. Another thing to think about when it snows is that you should clear all of the snow off your vehicle before you set off. Not only can snow on your rooftop slide off while youre driving and go into the path of other drivers or even pedestrians, it could slip down onto your windscreen and obscure your vision. This could lead to dangerous road traffic accidents, so its best to simply spend a couple of minutes shifting the snow first.
If there are any cracks or chips in your windscreen you will want to get them sorted instantly, as if you wait and your windscreen ices over or is buried beneath snow they could turn much more serious and end up costing you more. As the water on your windscreen thaws it will expand in any chips, causing them to turn into a crack that could make your car un-driveable until its fixed.
You will also want to keep your driveway clear of snow during the winter, as it could make getting your car onto the road even more difficult. The last thing you want is to be late for work because your car was stuck in the snow, so get yourself a snow shovel and spend some time clearing your driveway.
