For drivers
Winter driving
Ready, steady, snow . . . and ice
Winter driving – are you ready?
With recent increases in insurance premiums – who really wants to face making a claim for damage to vehicles and / or personal injury as a result of not being ready for winter weather?
Taking a few simple steps to protect you, your vehicle and other road users could mean you’re much more likely to have a claim free winter.
Icy and snowy weather
Check the local weather forecast for warnings of ice or snowy weather: Met Office: UK: Severe weather warnings|
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Do not drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer, ice scraper, torch, warm clothing, boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Before you set off
- You must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
- You must ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
- Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are thoroughly demisted
- Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
- Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
Ref: Official Highway code. Laws CUR reg 30, RVLA reg 23, VER Sect 43 & RV (DRM)R reg 11
UK Highway Code|
Winter vehicle check
You may be ready for winter driving, but is your vehicle?
Car batteries come under enormous pressure during the winter months, making sure your battery is fit to see the winter through is therefore really important.
Check that all bulbs are working and that headlights are clean and properly adjusted.
During winter, dazzle from low sun can be a particular problem. You can improve your vision significantly by making sure the windscreen is clean.
Top up windscreen washer fluid and use a proprietary additive to reduce the chance of freezing. Also, adding antifreeze in the cooling system is needed in winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34 degrees centigrade, and without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.
When you switch off the engine make sure wipers are in the parked position. Wiper blades and / or motors can be left damaged if the ignition is turned on when blades are frozen to the windscreen.
