Prepare for the worst and hope for the best
What to need to do now to prepare for the winter ahead
You’re more likely to break down in a bad winter
There’s more risk of delays too but not necessarily in the way you’d expect. If vehicles ahead lose control – a jack-knifed lorry for example –
- You won’t be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains.
- You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared.
Here’s what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.
Check your car, or call into any Branch of A1 Clutches for a FREE 5 point check
- Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze.
- A1 Clutches can 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 –
- A1 Clutches can check 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. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
- Windscreen– reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out.
- Wiper Blades– 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– A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing
Safety for you and your passengers:
As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it’s there if you do
Winter emergency kit:
- Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
- Shovel
- Reflective jacket(s)
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and batteries
- Tow rope
- Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
- Battery jump leads
- Bottled water
- Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
- Extra screen wash
When bad weather is forecast make sure you have:
- Warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes
- Waterproofs
- Sturdy boots
- Flask containing a hot drink