With winter fast approaching, now is a good time to ready
yourself and your vehicle for severe weather, taking some simple
steps to prepare for safe winter driving.
Maintenance and Servicing
In this run up to winter, it's now a perfect time to service
your vehicle, giving you peace of mind in the knowledge that it has
been professionally prepared for the coming months.
Personal maintenance throughout winter is also important, and
your winter vehicle maintenance routine should include checks of
the following:
- Antifreeze levels - Ensure they are filled to the correct level
to avoid freezing
- Door locks - Spraying with WD40 every few days during cold
spells can prevent freezing
- Battery - Replace your battery at the first sign of
trouble
- Exhaust system - Ensure system is in good repair; carbon
monoxide leaks can be deadly
- Fuel - A full tank of fuel can keep the line from freezing
- Heater and defroster - Ensure both are working properly
- Headlights and hazard lights - Replace any faulty light bulbs
immediately; ensure they're kept clean
- Oil - Ensure filled to correct level
- Thermostat - Ensure it's working properly
- Windscreens - Clear all windows of snow / ice / dirt
- Windscreen wipers - Repair if damaged and maintain proper
washer fluid level
- Number plates - Avoid fines by keeping these clean and
legible
- Tyres - Make sure tread is adequate and tyres are inflated
properly. If winter tyres are fitted, you may be required to
notify your insurer.
Preparing for your
journey
Always be ready for potential adverse weather. When bad
weather does arrive:
- Include an extra 10 minutes to prepare your vehicle before you
set off
- Clear all windows and roof of snow, ice and dirt
- Give yourself extra time and stick to main roads where
possible
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect
to arrive
- Always put your safety first before punctuality in winter
conditions
- Always carry your mobile phone, fully charging it before you
go
- Listen to local traffic reports and heed advice from your local
authority or police federation concerning driving safety
Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit* to keep in your
vehicle including:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
- Warm clothes and blankets (for you and all your
passengers)
- Boots
- First aid kit
- Jump leads
- A shovel
- Road Atlas
- Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
* recommended by the Highways agency
What to do if you break
down
Having a well-maintained vehicle is the easiest way to avoid
breaking down but breakdowns are more common during periods of cold
weather and challenging road conditions, particularly snow and
ice. In the unfortunate event of a breakdown, always remember
- safety first - for you, your passengers and
other motorists.
- If you can, get your vehicle off the road - as far to the left
side of the road as possible.
- Warn other drivers by using your hazard lights, using side
lights as well if it is dark or visibility is poor.
- Put on a reflective jacket if you have one.
- If you fear your vehicle may be struck, get out if safe to do
so and move well away from the traffic. If on a motorway, it
is advisable to exit the vehicle by the passenger door and ensure
all passengers do the same.
- Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your vehicle or
between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
- If on a motorway, keep clear from the carriageway and hard
shoulder. It is best to retreat up the bank or behind a
barrier if this is possible.
- Once in a safe place, use your mobile phone or other available
phone to call breakdown or other emergency service.
- Never attempt to cross a motorway carriageway, instead follow
arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder. This
will direct you to a free phone that connects directly to the
police / Highways Agency.
- Be prepared to describe your vehicle, the problem you are
having, your location and direction of travel. Motorway
telephones and marker posts will include reference numbers of your
location.
- When your vehicle is repaired, take care when returning to the
road, using the hard shoulder as an acceleration lane if on the
motorway.
Be prepared and drive safely this winter
season
