Winter has a reputation for transforming roads into scenes of chaos and pushes vehicles to their limit. The season presents the year’s most challenging driving conditions and we are on hand to ensure you’re Driving Legally in Winter as well as safely.

Along with treacherous road conditions, winter weather can cause developing faults in your car to become exposed and thus threatens the overall condition of your vehicle.

Find Winter Health Check Prices

A few simple checks can ensure that your car is free of any faults or requires any servicing. Many of these winter driving safety tips can be carried out year long, however it is imperative that they are practiced throughout the colder months.

If your car is due a service, ensure it is done before Winter hits

As mentioned above, any problems developing with your car will amplify over winter. Nip them in the bud with a service and repair before the jobs become more costly.

Check Car Battery

Winter places a much larger drain on your car battery than the milder months, therefore it is a priority to check your car’s battery before the season gets in full swing.

Check Screenwash

Screen wash level should be continually checked and topped up throughout the season.

Check Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers are imperative to good visibility of the road and thus safety of passengers in your vehicle and those surrounding. The Highway Code states that when driving in adverse weather conditions you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle. Failure to do so could incur a fine.

Consider Winter Tyres for your Vehicle

Winter tyres provide a lot more protection in bad driving conditions, as they offer a lot more grip than standard tyres.

Check the Antifreeze

Top up your engine coolant with antifreeze before the bad weather hits for top winter car care. Engine coolant should be around a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.

Ensure you are Driving Legally in Winter with Working Lights

High-functioning lights are essential as the days grow shorter. You should check that your indicators, rear reflectors and lights are clean and have no cracks in the lenses. It is in law that all lights and number plates are clearly visible.

Check Tyre Tread

Tyre tread must have a minimum depth of 1.6mm, which can be roughly measured at home using a 1p coin. If the coin can be submerged in the tread, you’re good to go! Lack of tyre tread depth can result in fines reaching up to £10,000, not to mention a lack of road safety. Keep tyres in suitable condition to make sure you’re driving legally in winter.

Keep a Winter Breakdown Kit

Make sure you always have the following items in your vehicle throughout winter: Phone and Charger. High-Visibility Vest. First Aid Kit. De-Icer and Scraper. Shovel. Tow Rope. Torch. Warm Clothes. Food and Drink.

A top tip for driving in winter is to always act smoothly and gently, whether that be in acceleration, steering or breaking.

A common myth in winter car care is that you must avoid washing your car in the bad weather. In fact, removing grime that builds up in bad weather prevents rust from forming as well as any corrosion.

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