Winter driving tips 2013

Turning the ignition key first thing on a damp and freezing December morning was once a gamble, with no guarantee that the car would stir itself into life, but no more; the modern car is more than capable of dealing with a British winter and a few simple precautions can help avoid an unnecessary breakdown.

Antifreeze

During the winter you use more windscreen wiper fluid so make sure that you have anti-freeze or windscreen washer fluid anti-freeze mix, in your car’s water bottle. You don’t want to find yourself stuck behind a lorry trying to clean your windows only to find your washer liquid has frozen.

Survival kit

If the idea of stowing a winter driving survival kit in your boot sounds a bit Bear Grylls, think again – carrying a torch, a little non-perishable food and a blanket can make all the difference if you should break down.

Tyres

The reason other European road networks do not grind to halt following a decent fall of snow is that many motorists invest in snow tyres. The sporadic nature of our winter weather here in Britain means that very few of us do the same, but it is vitally important to check the condition of your tyres when there is snow and ice on the road. First make sure that the tyre treads are the correct depth – ideally more than 3 mm for winter. Secondly, make sure that the tyres are inflated correctly, as the cold weather can lower tyre pressure. Do not be tempted to reduce tyre pressure to get more grip as this does not work, and can seriously reduce stability.

Electrics

If it is five years or more since you changed your battery, get it checked by your local garage. Flat batteries are the most common cause of car breakdowns over the winter months. Check that you have car breakdown cover in place

Fuel

Keep your tank topped up in winter as you never know when you’re going to need that extra fuel. If you are driving and become snowed in, conserve your fuel. Run your engine every twenty minutes to warm the car.

Behind the wheel

• Snow chains are cheap to buy and quick to fit so make a wise investment
• In slippery conditions, avoid sudden acceleration and braking – driving as smoothly as possible will make it less likely that you slide and return better fuel economy, too. If you start to skid, gently lift your foot off the accelerator and steer into the slide
• Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have the number of your breakdown recovery service stored
• It is important you can see and be seen so take time to remove any snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, headlights, brake lights and indicators
• Your car may be fitted with electronic stability control (ESC) - a gizmo that, in the event of a skid, automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels. However, you may find that ESC hinders your progress up a snow-covered incline
• Breakdown cover costs from less than £30 - ensure you have cover in place. Get an instant quote
• Do not use cruise control in snowy or icy conditions