Breaking down at any time of year is not good, but in the winter it can feel even worse. Cold, wet conditions, and heavy traffic on the roads, can mean longer waits to rescue services in very uncomfortable conditions.
In this months blog, we are sharing some advice from the AA on how to reduce the risk of a breakdown this winter, and to make sure that you are equipped to deal with winter road conditions.
Check your car before you travel
The AA recommends that before you embark on your journey, you make sure that the following have been checked and are ready to go;
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.
Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold – get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs.
Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.
Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.
Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
They also recommend carrying a Winter Emergency Kit on board with you. You can make this up when the weather starts to turn, and keep it in your car until the spring. Pack a blanket, rug or sleeping bag, a shovel, an ice scraper and some de-icer, a torch and batteries, extra screen wash and some snacks.
If bad weather is forecast you could also include warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes, waterproofs, sturdy footwear and a flask of hot drink
Here at In-Front Autos, we can provide your car with a comprehensive check of all of the above, to ensure your car is safe and ready to roll all winter long. Call us today on 01708 377377.
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