Driving Tips - Winter

Driving Tips – Winter

Britain is about to experience an early winter, with snow expected to arrive as soon as next month, forecasters have warned.

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Updated 9th August 2015

Driving in severe winter weather poses many challenges. Cars can get stuck in snowy conditions even on familiar roads, forcing the driver and passengers to spend the night on the roadside.

Here is some advice on how to prepare your car for winter driving if you have to make a journey and what to do should you be caught out in bad weather.

Before you leave

Tyres: Ensure your standard tyres are inflated correctly and that you have a minimum of 2mm of tread on your tyres to cope with wet and slippery conditions.

Battery: In winter, the battery will run down quicker than in warmer weather. Make sure you do a regular long journey to top it up or trickle-charge the battery.

Engine: Modern engines are more robust than older ones. All the same, depress the clutch when starting as this will reduce drag on the engine when starting, and preserve the battery.

Screen wash: Keep this topped up and use a proper additive at the right concentration to prevent it freezing.

Fuel: Keep your tank topped up – that way if you are caught out, you’ll have enough fuel to make it home or run the engine to keep warm. However, it’s essential to keep snow from blocking the exhaust as noxious fumes can leak into the vehicle.

Windows: Clear all snow and ice from the windscreen and the roof of the car before driving off. Do not use water to de-ice windscreens. Hot water can crack the glass, and the water will only freeze again on the screen or on the ground where you are standing.

Locks: A squirt of WD-40 will prevent your door locks freezing up. If they do, heat your key with a lighter to melt the ice.

Warm clothing: Your car may be warm on the inside but if you have to step outside, you could be in trouble if you have not got any warm clothing with you.
Always pack the following: warm coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots, a blanket to keep you warm if you get stuck. Take some food, chocolate, biscuits, water and a hot drink if you can. Always carry a fully charged mobile, and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres when stuck and a shovel to clear snow.
Emergency snow kithttp://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58295000/jpg/_58295308_jex_1310938_de27-1.jpg

Cat litter or sand
Snow shovel or spade
Ice scraper
Warm clothes and footwear
Snacks and water
Torch
Mobile phone
Blanket or sleeping bag
Jump leads
High visibility jacket
First aid kit
– See more at: http://www.cacars.co.uk/news/motoring/Driving-Tips-Snow.html#sthash.8ZM0XVUU.dpuf