There’s more to driving than the basics.
Winter brings with it a lot of extra challenges for road users, whether it’s snow, ice or low light conditions. Lots of people will be making the journey home for the Christmas period and to make that journey as safe as possible for you, here are some tips to ensure you’re Ready for the Xmas Road. We’ve broken down some of the most important tips for preparing you vehicle for the winter period and driving in the poor weather.
Car Safety Tips:
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Check that your tyres have enough grip to handle the extra surface water and even the snow. The minimum legal thread depth is 1.6mm but a minimum depth of at least 3mm is recommended for the winter conditions.
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Wet conditions can cause a buildup of dirt on your headlights and windscreen. Make sure to clean all the lights and windscreen before and after any journey to ensure a clear view of the road.
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Pack an Emergency kit just in case disaster strikes. This kit should have all you need to help with any situation. A deicer or scraper, shovel, jump leads, torch and extra blankets should all be packed.
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When driving in rain be sure to use the 4 second rule leaving 4 seconds between you and the car in front of you. This will give you extra distance to break and prevent accidents.
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It will also help to prevent spray from other vehicles giving you a clear view of the road.
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Be sure to turn on your fog lights or low beams when driving in the fog. They reduce the reflection on the fog and keep the road in front illuminated.
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If the fog becomes too thick make sure to pull over and wait for it to pass. This is the safest option and turning on your hazard lights will let other know where you are.
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Watch out for “Black Ice” and compacted snow which can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
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If your car begins to skid take your foot off the accelerator, put both hands on the steering wheel and steer in the direction you want to go.
Remember, accidents can happen anytime, even at Christmas. Firstly, you should always make sure you have adequate Car Insurance. Most policies will protect you should you ever be in an accident and need cover.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
15th December, 2017
