It's started already, despite the very warm October and November we're experiencing. Already many of us will have had to de-mist and think seriously about screen wash.
Here are a few hints and tips which will help you to take greater care of your vehicle and drive safely in our variable weather.
- Make sure your tyres are in the best possibel condition. This will hep you to steer accurately, and stop quickly in rain, ice and snow if you need to.
- Using anti-freeze will stop your engine freezing, obviously. Many cars have life-long anti-freeze but if you're not sure just ask us. Lack of anti-freeze will cause expensive and permanent damage.
- According to the AA car batteries rarely last much longer than five years. A failing battery will affect your lights, heaters and windscreen wipers. It will also run down much faster when you're using all of these during the dark months.
- Make sure you switch off your windscreen wipers when you leave your car after a journey. They quickly freeze onto the windscreen so if you leave them on the next time you jump into your car and switch on the engine the wipers will try to operate but will be stuck fast. Next place you visit will be a garage for new wipers.
- Let your car de-mist before setting off. How many times have you seen drivers peering through a tiny cleared hole in the windscreen because they can't be bothered to wait for the whole screen to clear? It's an offence and extremely dangerous.
- Think about how easy it is for others to see you. Lights are not just for you to be able to see; they're for other road users to be able to see you too. Mist, snow, rain, fog and all other poor conditions will reduce the ability of others to see you, especially if you drive a car which blends easily with the environment. If in doubt, put on the lights.
These are just a few hints and tips to help keep you and your family safe in the winter. More to come of course, part5icularly a list of winter items to keep in the car when you're setting off on a journey.
If you're worried, call K-Tech Automotive. We're full of great advice and will give you a FREE winter healthcheck for all your vehicles www.k-techautomotive.co.uk