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When summer is just about over, it’s time to think about making your vehicle safe to drive this winter. If you haven’t already had your MOT test and it’s due fairly soon, then make sure that you book it before the weather changes significantly. In the winter months, driving can get hazardous. Everyone is feeling the cold and wants to reach their destination as quickly as possible; small wonder there are more accidents at that time of year. You can’t do anything about the progress of the seasons or other people’s driving, but you can do your best to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive in the cold and wet.
Windscreen Wipers
More, and heavier rain is a significant part of the start of the winter months. Make sure that your windscreen wipers work properly; there is nothing worse or more dangerous than getting caught in a rainstorm without proper visibility. Keep a spare can of anti-freeze in the car, just in case things ice up. Your windscreen wipers should be in working order at all times, but especially when the weather is on the turn.
Getting Stuck
Winter is a time when the roads can get very crowded, which means holdups and hours on the road. Make sure that you are properly prepared for emergencies when you are driving. You should have a winter ready kit. Have a box or bag in your boot that has a shovel, a sturdy torch, and a pair of wellington boots. It’s a good idea to have a blanket as well, as you’ll know if you’ve ever had to camp out at a motorway service station in bad weather.
Oil, Water, and Tyres
If you regularly drive then you should also check your oil and water levels on a frequent basis, and especially before a long trip. You don’t want your engine to run out of oil or your radiator to seize up, just because you forgot to do what should be a regular maintenance task.
If you are going on a long trip always check that your tyres are pumped up to the required pressure. It is illegal to drive a car with worn tyre treads. Make sure that you get them replaced if they are consistently below the required level.
Motorway Driving
Motorway driving can be a problem at any time, but it’s always bad during the winter months. For some reason, motorists who should know the dangers of getting too close to the vehicle in front delight in tailgating. If you want to avoid a crash, then keep at least two vehicle lengths between you and the vehicle in front. If it is raining you will need up to twice the normal stopping distance, and if there is snow on the ground, there’s no telling how long it will take to stop your vehicle.
If you must drive long distances in the winter, then you should do everything that you can to ensure your vehicle is totally roadworthy. You should be prepared for almost any eventualities if you take these few precautions.
