Check your Car is Fit for Winter

With the clocks going back soon and the start of winter upon us it is important to ensure that your vehicles are fit for winter driving. If anyone has any vulnerable relatives / members or young drivers in the family it may be worthwhile assisting them with these checks to help them prepare for the winter weather.

This time of year can unfortunately mean an increase in the number of collisions on the roads. Drivers need to be prepared for all types of weather at all times. Although we all know the weather can start to change significantly at this time of year it always seems to come as a surprise to some drivers with many being caught out by fog, ice and snow as they embark on their normal day-to-day journeys.
Drivers are urged to take a few simple steps to ensure their car is fit for driving in winter weather.

• Ensure that the service history is up-to-date

• Make sure your lights and brakes are working properly

• Check the pressure of the tyres and ensure that the coolant and oil levels are correct

• Keep the windscreen washer topped up so that you can clear the film of moisture that fog leaves

• Make sure your windscreen is clear before setting off on a journey - that will improve visibility considerably when fog comes down

• Allow plenty of time to de-ice your car thoroughly - scraping a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough - it is illegal and dangerous. Please don't be tempted to leave your car defrosting unattended on your driveway. At this time of year you will spot a number of drivers do this to enable them to defrost their cars whilst finishing their breakfast, getting their stuff together etc. Most of us would not consider leaving our keys within our vehicles at any other time of the year and this time of year should be no different. Even if you lock your keys in your car with a spare key it would only take someone smashing the window to be able to steal your vehicle. If the weather is frosty allow extra time in the morning to defrost your vehicle properly with you in it when you leave.

• Ensure you put your fog lights on if conditions are bad enough - and remember to slow down and take care, especially at junctions

• Breaking down on the road is never a pleasant experience - make sure you have adequate breakdown cover

Drivers need to slow down if they are facing ice, fog or snow. If they have to drive more slowly, then they need to ensure they allow extra time to get to their destination