The complete winter driving guide
As temperatures drop your car has a harder time than ever – and so do you. So give yourself a fighting chance of getting through this winter, by making sure you and your car are fully prepared. Getting your car ready for winter By preparing your car for sub-zero conditions you’ll make your life a lot easier, as you’ll be less likely to break down and you’re also less likely to be involved in a crash. So kick off with the basics: Battery: Most fast-fit outlets will check the state of your car’s battery for free. If it’s on its last legs, the first sign of a sharp frost will see it fail altogether – leaving you unable to start your car. Coolant: To stop your engine from overheating it’s filled with coolant, which is a mixture of water and anti-freeze. If there’s too much water and not enough anti-freeze it’ll turn to ice when the temperatures drop, potentially wrecking your engine. So get the anti-freeze strength checked at a friendly garage. Tyres: You need to ensure your tyres are at the correct pressures and have sufficient tread all year round, and it’s no different in winter. If your tyres are close to the legal limit of 1.6mm, invest in a new set before the bad weather catches you out. It might even be worth investing in a set of winter tyres, although this means buying a second set of wheels or faffing about having tyres fitted to your existing wheels then back again when the temperatures rise in the spring – which is why few drivers bother. Lights: With short days, rain and fog all par for the course over the next few weeks, your lights will probably be on whenever you’re driving. Make sure everybody can see you – and that you can see – by ensuring they’re all working properly. Wipers: The last thing you want when it starts snowing is for your wiper blades to fall apart because they’re perished. If this happens you won’t be able to sweep away any rain or snow, plus there’s a good chance your windscreen will be damaged. Windows: Getting a clear view through your windows is key, so make sure the heating and ventilation work properly or everything will mist up so you’re driving in a permanent fog. And don’t forget to keep your washer bottle topped up.