Winter Driving Tips

Winter has now come and it’s time to start preparing so you can avoid a break down. During winter, breakdowns are most common and road conditions will become challenging especially when snow and ice strikes. Below is some general advice for safe driving in the cold and dark months ahead.

Antifreeze
Start preparing now to prevent your radiator from freezing up as it can seriously damage your engine as the cost of antifreeze is minimal compared to the cost of repairing a damaged frozen engine. Listen for a continuous squealing noise as this is a sign that the water pump maybe frozen – check and see of the fan belt is not slipping on the pulley. Turn off your engine straight away to let it thaw.

If you’re driving a modern car, it will most likely be using long life antifreeze so make sure you’re using the right type to avoid mixing it. If you’re using Glycol-based antifreeze then this should be changed every two years, check your handbook for reference. If you using a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in your cooling system for winter, it will give you maximum protection down to -34%.

Battery and electrics
Using your lights, heaters and wipers can put a lot of strain on your car battery and if you’re doing lots of dark trips, the battery will eventually die. Even in modern cars, batteries rarely last longer than 5 years so it would be wise change it soon to save some time and inconvenience at the side of the road.

•    Turn off electrical systems such as heater fans once the windows are clear

•    If your vehicle is mostly sitting idle during the weekends, give the engine a trickle at the end of the day so that the battery can charge itself.

•    Turn off all electoral systems such as the heater, radio, lights etc. before you start the engine

•    When turning the engine, if the engine doesn’t start within 5 seconds turn it off and leave it for 30 seconds to allow the car battery to recharge.

Tyres
You tyre tread for winter driving should be no less than 2mm. Any less than that and you might increase your chances of an accident. You don’t need to reduce your tyre pressure to get more grip as this doesn’t work and will reduce the car stability.

Checks before you drive
Give yourself at least 10 minutes so you can prepare your car. Clear off all ice and snow before you drive off.  If your locks are frozen, us a cigarette lighter to warm your key. Plan your route beforehand just in case you need to use an alternative route.

Driving in snow and ice
Driving slow with gentle manoeuvres is the key to safe driving in winter conditions. Allow a stopping distance of 10 times longer in ice and snow.

•    To avoid wheel spin, pull away in second gear by steadily taking your foot off the clutch

•    Up hill - Try to avoid stopping part way by leaving plenty of room with the car in front. Drive at a constant speed and use a suitable gear

•    Down hill – leave as much room between you and the car in front, drive in a low gear and do not use the breaks as much as possible.

Have you consider our 4x4 in Croydon which is perfect for winter driving conditions