Preparing for icy weather conditions!

Are you prepared for icy weather conditions? Whether it be snowing or icy, there's ways you can prepare both yourself and your car for these types of conditions on the roads. Remember, preparation is key - don't get left out in the cold this winter.

Here's some tips to help you out during the cold period...

What to do in icy weather conditions...

Before you start your journey

• Allow extra time for your journey (in other words, leave earlier)
• Clear all windows and the windscreen of ice / snow
• Check fuel levels - make sure you have enough fuel for your journey and more
• Check your journey - are there road closures?

Ice and snow

• Make sure you're wearing comfortable footwear whilst driving
• When applying the brake, apply it gently
• When going downhill, use a low gear and prepare for it in advance
• If your car is wheel spinning, try to pull away in second gear (slowly easing your foot off the clutch)
• Make gentle manoeuvres (e.g. no sharp, last minute turns)
• Allow extra stopping distance, much extra!

The Essentials

• Get yourself a bottle of antifreeze and keep it handy at all times
• Check your screenwash / water regularly - you'll find you'll need to clean your windscreen more often in the winter
• Keep a blanket, water, and food essentials in the car in case you break down / get stuck in a long traffic jam
• Carry a sat-nav with you if you're worried about having to divert / getting lost

The Car

• Make sure you have enough tread on your tyres
• Remember to use air-con if you have it to defrost your windscreen (it works pretty quickly)
• Make sure ALL of the lights on your car are working
• In order to avoid fines, keep your number plates clean
• Make sure your windscreen wipers aren't blunt or damaged in any way
• Consider whether you could get winter tyres / all-season tyres fitted on your car
• Check the battery - or get someone to do it for you (there's extra strain on the battery / electrics of a car in the winter months)
• Keep an eye on the fluid levels within your car - both oil, water, and fuel (you don't want to run out)

Driving in the winter isn't always easy but there's things you can do to make the task less daunting.

Have any of the above suggestions helped you? If so, let us know in the comments.

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