Tyres
Tyres need plenty of tread to clear water or snow. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but it is better to change tyres at a tread depth of 3mm – especially at this time of year. Ensure that each tyre is correctly inflated and don’t forget the spare in the boot – you never know when you may need it. Consider fitting winter tyres – they make all the difference! On colder days be particularly careful on tree lined roads – the trees prevent the sun’s warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed.
Lights
With the darker days and longer nights your car’s lights are more important than ever. Check both headlights, all sidelights and rear lights including brake lights, number plate lights as well as full beam and that all indicators work and the lenses are clean. Check your back fog light and, if you have them, both front. Carry spare bulbs and fuses just in case.
Battery
In cold weather your battery has to work extra hard to start your car and to run the heater, lights and de-misters. If your battery is more than 3 years old have it checked or replaced. Depress the clutch when starting a cold engine as this disconnects the engine from the gearbox so there is less drag and eases the load on the starter motor
Anti-freeze
Anti-freeze at the correct concentration is vital all year round as it prevents not only freezing, but also engine corrosion. In most modern cars it should be renewed every five years. Check your handbook for correct type and change intervals.
Screen Wash
Keep the screen washer bottle full of screen wash of the correct concentration so it doesn’t freeze in the washers. In extremely cold conditions, you can use screenwash concentrate without adding any water. This helps to avoid the fluid freezing in the washer nozzles and on the windscreen – particularly dangerous when you’re driving. Keep a bottle inside the car just in case your washer nozzles freeze then you can stop and clear the windscreen yourself. Don’t use washing up liquid as it produces too much foam, or engine antifreeze which can damage the paintwork.
Cleaned & Lubricated
Wash the car frequently, when there is no risk of frost and treat any stone chips as bare metal will quickly rust. Spray WD40 into the door locks to reduce the risk of them freezing. Lubricate the bonnet lock so it doesn’t corrode, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the rubber seals of the doors so they don’t freeze up while closed.
Fuel
Keep plenty of fuel in the tank – at least half full – as you never know when you will be stuck in traffic or have to make a detour to reach your destination. Diesel from garages will already contain anti-freeze so you don’t have to worry about frozen diesel.
De-mist
Keep the inside of all windows clean and if the inside keeps misting up, use the air conditioning on a warm setting to dry out the car. Make sure you don’t leave damp coats and wellingtons in the car.
Supplies
Take a warm coat, gloves and hat in case the weather or the car catches you out. If you’re making a long journey or if the weather looks nasty, pack high energy foods such as chocolate, crisps, nuts, cereal bars, water and a hot drink too.
Always carry a fully charged mobile, hi-visibilty jacket and torch, a pair of wellingtons and take some old bits of carpet and a shovel to clear snow, in case you get stuck.
Fog
Winter mornings are often foggy mornings – and fog can be very localised. Take care near open water as fog often hangs over water. Use dipped headlights and fog lights should be used when visibilty is seriously reduced generally less than 100m, but never put them on if it’s just raining or snowing as this can create glare. Consider opening windows and turning off any radio or music as danger can often be heard before it is seen.
Safe and happy motoring!