Winter Driving Checklist
It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is up to scratch and safe to drive throughout the year, but it is particularly the case when winter comes around because of the dangers of winter driving. That’s why this month we’ll be detailing some of the most important things you should check your car over for this winter.
Pack a Winter-Appropriate Emergency Kit
Your vehicle should always have an emergency kit stored in it, but in the winter you should add a couple of extra items to make it winter-appropriate. These include:
- A couple of blankets or sleeping bags
- A shovel
- A torch with spare batteries
- Spare screenwash and antifreeze
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Snacks and possibly a hot drink in a flask
Should you run into any problems on the road, the cold could make life extremely uncomfortable. With the above provisions added to your emergency kit, however, you’ll be prepared for the worst winter has to throw at you.
Check Your Tyres
The condition of your tyres and their pressure are one of the most important things to check before driving in the winter. This is because tyres that are underinflated can cause serious problems by impairing handling and making accidents more likely.
Likewise, a tyre that has a tread depth of less than 1.6mm should not be driven on. Adequate tread on your tyres is essential to improving grip on the road; a smaller tread depth, therefore, can make winter driving treacherous.
Winter tyres are an excellent way to curb the problems of winter driving. Unlike regular tyres which work best at warmer temperatures, these tyres work are at their best below temperatures of 7°C. Alternatively, you could install snow chains on your regular tyres to improve grip.
Monitor Antifreeze, Engine Oil and Screenwash Levels
There are various liquids that your engine requires to work efficiently – you should monitor all of these closely throughout winter to ensure you don’t suffer from any unnecessary issues. Antifreeze and screenwash in particular should be monitored closely. The former ensures that vital elements of your engine do not freeze when temperatures plummet, while the latter is essential to maintaining visibility as fog, snow and heavier showers dirty and obscure visibility through your windscreen.
Ensure Your Battery Is Charged
Your vehicle’s battery is responsible for powering not only all of the electrical appliances in your vehicle, but also for starting and regulating your engine. A flat battery in the winter, therefore, is something to avidly avoid. If you have issues with it, you won’t be able to start your car or keep warm either while driving or while waiting for assistance.
Batteries are susceptible to colder temperatures, losing power quicker in the winter than at any other time of the year. You can charge your battery up either with a charging kit or simply by driving. However, you must drive longer distances to ensure the alternator can charge your battery up efficiently. Make sure you regularly drive your vehicle greater distances to keep the battery charged!
Service Your Car
One of the best ways to prepare for the winter is to have your vehicle serviced. We can’t stress to you the importance of having your vehicle properly serviced by a professional in the runup to winter, but the main reason for this is that it will help spot any underlying problems with your vehicle before they spiral out of control. Under the strain of winter, these issues could become major faults that could leave you stranded. Therefore, you should book your car in for a service today!
Munster Tyres and Servicing have been a leading provider of tyres and car servicing to the Fulham and North London areas for 40 years. Our team of experienced professionals are experts when it comes to caring for your vehicle. For more information about booking your car in for a service or repairs, contact our friendly team today.