Winter Driving Tips from CarLease UK…
As the nights close in and Autumn is announced by the falling leaves, the time to get your car ready for Winter is upon us… When the weather is worse and more likely to change, poor visibility, snow and ice will bring their own challenges for drivers and vehicles alike.
Plan your journeys and make sure your car is ready for winter!
Tip 1 – Check your Cars Necessities…
Cold weather is hard on batteries, have your battery checked and charged up or changed (if required) and at the same time have your tyre tread depth checked too, the legal limit may well be 1.6mm but that is not enough when it is snowing. Have your brakes, all fluids (oil and water) and wiper blades checked or replaced if required.
Tip 2 – Keep it Clean…
Go into winter with your car clean, be sure that all the lights and number plates are clean and free from dirt/ residue and think about how you change your driving style for Winter. Slow down until you are adjusted to the dark and be aware of pedestrians and cyclist who may not yet have the reflective gear and lights that they need.
Tip 3 – Floods & High Water Levels…
If you can avoid it, it is advisable not to drive through lying surface water as you might flood your engine. The deepest water is usually nearest the kerb. If you do have to drive through flooded roads, use first gear. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine. Keep your revs high and depress your clutch when you need to. Test your brakes after passing through the water.
Tip 4 – Driving in Fog…
In fog use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you. If it is really foggy (less than 100m visibility) and you can’t see much, switch your fog lights on. Switch them off once conditions have improved so they don’t dazzle drivers behind you. Fog is often patchy so try not to speed up as visibility improves. You could suddenly find yourself back in thick fog further up the road.
Tip 5 – Ice & Snow Driving…
When driving through ice and snow be sure to use extra care; check for snow on the roof of the vehicle and remove any build up of snow from your vehicles roof… It can slip down over your windscreen and obscure your view. If your tyres are making virtually no noise you may be driving on ice. If your vehicle skids depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens steer along the road. Don’t brake –it will just lock up your wheels and you’ll skid further. Cadence braking is a technique which might be able to help you avoid an accident in snow, so be sure to check out this rally driving technique and employ it if required…
Tip 6 – Inform Others of your Trip…
When embarking on any journey during bad weather; let people know where you are going, your route of travel, and when you expect to arrive. Plan your route well in advance and ensure you have sufficient fuel in your vehicle to make it beyond your destination. Early onset of darkness can affect people in different ways. You may find yourself becoming tired more quickly, so make sure you’re well-rested before starting your journey. Take regular breaks on long trips and if appropriate stop at designated points along the way.
Tip 7 – Essential Items to Keep in your Car…
If snowfall is particularly heavy or you are due to travel on roads which might become blocked, think about keeping some essential items in your car for unplanned over night delays. This may include a blanket and warm clothes, appropriate shoes/ wellies, food and drinks such as water, chocolate and nuts. Kitty Litter is also something which can be kept in your vehicle and used/ placed under the driving wheels if/when your car or van becomes bogged down in snow or stuck on ice. As mentioned in the point above, be sure you have more then enough fuel in your tank to make it home or to keep the heaters running if you are stuck in traffic or due to poor conditions for any long periods of time.
So now that your know a little bit more about driving in winter its time to open the bonnet, check your essentials and pack a winter bag in the boot of your car. After-all those who fail to plan – plan to fail!