subject: Winter Driving Tips [print this page] Like it or not the cold weather is now officially here for the next four months or so. As well as that not being a particularly nice thought, it also means that your car will under greater stress and that means there is a greater chance of car breakdown issues.
Winter is a hazardous season for all drivers with bad visibility, ice and the weather making things that much harder for you as a driver. It also means things get decidedly more testing for your car too as plunging temperatures can put strain on even the most reliable car, upping the possibility of a car breakdown.
The fact is that no matter how well you look after your car you simply cannot wrap all the parts in cotton wool. And you can therefore not guarantee that some tiny component will not cause you to breakdown.
Research suggests that more than one in ten people don't have car breakdown cover despite that fact that cover can cost as little as 30 though RescueMyCar.com
There are other things you can do to keep your car in shape this winter and we will cover these at length over the coming weeks, but to start things off some of the more important ones to help avoid car breakdown issues are:
Check your tyre pressure and tread depths regularly in the winter months. It is also a good idea to check your tyres for cuts, splits or nails which can cause deflation, and be sure to check your spare tyre too.
Check and top up your water coolant and antifreeze levels before every trip; always do this when the engine is cold. Simple pre planning can made a world of difference to your winter driving experience.
Ensure your battery is efficient as demand on a battery is very high during the winter months.
Your lights are especially important during the reduced visibility of winter months. Be sure to check all your lights regularly and replace any faulty lights immediately. It is also important to clean your lights regularly as winter conditions can cover them in grime and dirt which will reduce their effectiveness on the road.
Ensure your windscreen is free from serious chips. Wipers should not leave smears; if they do they may need replacing. Ensure windscreen wash fluid levels are topped up regularly, this is especially important in the winter months when visibility is reduced.
Check your engine oil regularly, especially before long trips.
It is crucial to have a good level of Breakdown Cover all year round but this is especially important in the winter months as you do not want to be stranded at the roadside in cold/wet conditions. It is a good idea to keep a blanket in your car in case such situations occur.
If the weather is especially hazardous consider delaying your journey until it improves. Severe winter conditions can be too much for even the most experienced of drivers.
