|
roosterbri
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
553 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Dec 2011 : 09:14:32
|
With winter fast approaching, now is a good time to ready yourself and your vehicle for severe weather, taking some simple steps to prepare for safe winter driving.
Maintenance and Servicing
In the run up to winter, its now a perfect time to service your vehicle, giving you peace of mind in the knowledge that
it has been professionally prepared for the coming months.
Regular maintenance and checks throughout winter are also important, and your winter vehicle maintenance routine
should include checks of the following:
Antifreeze levels Ensure they are filled to the correct level to avoid freezing
Door locks Spraying with WD40 every few days during cold spells can prevent freezing
Battery Replace your car battery at the first sign of trouble
Exhaust system Ensure system is in good repair; carbon monoxide leaks can be deadly
Fuel Keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay
Heater and defroster Ensure both are working properly
Headlights and hazard lights Replace any faulty light bulbs immediately; ensure theyre kept clean
Oil Ensure filled to correct level
Thermostat Ensure its working properly
Windscreens Clear all windows of snow / ice / dirt
Windscreen wipers Repair if damaged and maintain proper washer fluid level
Number plates Avoid fines by keeping these clean and legible
Tyres Make sure tread is adequate and tyres are inflated properly. If winter tyres are fitted, you may be required
to notify your insurer, which you can confirm by referring to your policy documentation.
Motor
Winter Hints & Tips
Motoring Safety
Preparing for your journey
Always be ready for potential adverse weather. When bad weather does arrive, decide if it is actually necessary to
drive. If conditions are really bad, is it possible to travel by other means? Can you rearrange your trip or avoid making
the journey by using the phone or email?
If its deemed appropriate and you decide you really must travel:
Include an extra 10 minutes to prepare your vehicle before you set off
Clear all windows and roof of snow, ice and dirt
Give yourself extra time and stick to main roads where possible
Allow for extended stopping distances on winter road surfaces
Consider adding weight in the boot of light rear wheel drive vehicles to assist traction control
Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive
Always put your safety first before punctuality in winter conditions
Always carry your mobile phone, fully charging it before you go
Listen to local traffic reports and heed advice from your local authority or police federation concerning driving safety
Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit* to keep in your vehicle including:
Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
Warm clothes and blankets - for you and all passengers
Boots
First aid kit
Jump leads
A shovel
Road atlas
Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
* recommended by the Highways agency
What to do if you break down
Having a well-maintained vehicle is the easiest way to avoid breaking down but breakdowns are more common
during periods of cold weather and challenging road conditions, particularly snow and ice. In the unfortunate event of
a breakdown, always remember safety first for you, your passengers and other motorists.
If you can, get your vehicle off the road as far to the left side of the road as possible.
Warn other drivers by using your hazard lights, using side lights as well if it is dark or visibility is poor.
Put on a reflective jacket if you have one.
If you fear your vehicle may be struck, get out of the car if safe to do so and move well away from the traffic. If on
a motorway, it is advisable to exit the vehicle by the passenger door and ensure all passengers do the same.
Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your vehicle or between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
If on a motorway, keep clear from the carriageway and hard shoulder. It is best to retreat up the bank or behind a
barrier if this is possible.
Once in a safe place, use your mobile phone or other available phone to call breakdown or other emergency service.
Never attempt to cross a motorway carriageway, instead follow arrows on the posts at the back of the hard
shoulder. This will direct you to a free phone that connects directly to the police / Highways Agency.
Be prepared to describe your vehicle, the problem you are having, your location and direction of travel. Motorway
telephones and marker posts will include reference numbers of your location.
When your vehicle is repaired, take care when returning to the road, using the hard shoulder as an acceleration
lane if on the motorway.
Be prepared and drive safely this winter season. |
|
Topic Locked
