Winter Driving (Part 1)

As we enter the months of January and February we are usually surprised by the fact that the weather gets colder, wetter and foggier. This year the frost and snow started early and looks set to continue for some time so let’s have a look at some suggestions that will help you stay out of trouble.
• It isn’t high on the list of priorities of most people in the current economic climate but get your vehicle serviced. A regularly serviced vehicle is less likely to break down and leave you stranded in freezing conditions miles from anywhere.
• Do weekly vehicle checks. Again, this isn’t something that most people bother with but it only takes five minutes and again can save you time in the long run. You should at least check oil, coolant, screen wash and drive belts under the bonnet as well as checking that all your lights work and are clean. Regular tyre pressure and condition checks should be done too. Do you have a quick look at all your tyres before you get into your vehicle when it’s been parked? You may have had 4 lots of air when you left it but has it still got 4 inflated tyres? Punctures do happen.
• If you have one (and many vehicles don’t now) check the spare tyre. Many people get a puncture and then find that the spare is flat too.
• Do you know where the jack etc is on your vehicle? We have asked people many times on courses to show us where the jack is and they can’t. This is embarrassing during a course but could be serious in a remote location in bad weather at night.
• Carry a torch, blanket, mobile phone with credit, shovel, snacks and drinks and a warm coat. An acquaintance of mine was recently stranded when his vehicle overheated (he hadn’t checked his coolant). It was over two hours before the recovery truck got to him and he only had a light jacket with him. He was obviously unable to put the heating on as he didn’t have an engine and was extremely cold (the outside temperature was -4C) by the time help arrived.
• Be a member of a recognised breakdown organisation – I know it’s more expense but it’s a form of insurance that you’ll be glad of if you have to use it.
• For more information click here.