Car safety in winter: From checking your car brakes to replacing your tyres
Of all of the seasons here in the UK, winter is arguably the most dangerous for drivers on the road. While we’re not known for consistently snowy weather year on year, the influx of rain, icy roads and blustery winds can make getting from A to B in your vehicle difficult. Even the drop in temperature during the winter months can cause a host of issues for vehicles that aren’t prepared.
You probably already know that there are a multitude of things a driver can do to ensure that they remain safe on the road during winter, but you might be wondering where to start. Luckily, prepping your car for winter trips doesn’t have to be a pain, especially when you have a team of automotive specialists to hand.
The importance of winter safety checks
It really cannot be understated how important it is to carry out a comprehensive check of your vehicle as the mercury drops. While it may be tempting to simply forgo these tests, you could end up putting yourself and others on the road in significant danger.
Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable, cycling from rain to fog to snow over the course of a day and creating extremely hazardous driving conditions due to a lack of visibility and traction. Icy and snowy roads significantly increase the distance it takes to come to a complete stop and even the most skilled drivers can run into potential difficulties if not fully prepared.
Issues can also arise before you’ve even pulled out of the driveway, as the drop in temperature can cause havoc to vehicles. Putting undue stress on a variety of components from the battery to your spark plugs, cold weather can stop your car in its tracks and end up being costly to fix. It’s for these reasons that taking precautionary steps during winter are so important and should be taken seriously to maximise safety and minimise costly repairs.
Checks you can carry out yourself
As temperatures usually begin to drop in November and don’t usually begin to improve until around March, drivers need to be vigilant during this period and take the time to conduct regular checks on their vehicles to ensure they’re up to scratch. Below is a quick list of the checks you need to be considering before getting out onto the road, all of which you can do yourself.
During the winter months, your battery should be a top priority in your checks. With temperatures dropping and an increased use of your vehicle’s lights and heaters due to the nights drawing in, winter is a prime time for battery issues.
Batteries have a lifespan of around five years so they will need to be replaced at some point, however, paying particular attention to it during winter will save you from being completely stuck. If you do find yourself without a working battery, jumpstarting is an option, but you should get your car to your local garage as soon as possible for a replacement.
Clean your lights and windscreen
Visibility is key when on the roads and, with fog and rain making it that much harder to see where you’re going, meaning that your lights and windscreen will play an essential part in getting you to your destination safely. Because of this, it’s really important to ensure that both are clean before you set out.
For your lights, check that all indicators and reflectors are clean and don’t forget to switch on your full beam headlights and fog lights to see if they’re working properly. For your windscreen, you should give both the interior and exterior a thorough wash and refill your screen washer fluid with the correct amount of antifreeze.
When it comes to antifreeze, the clue to its benefits is in the name. When added to an engine’s cooling system, antifreeze lowers its freezing point, meaning your vehicle can stay running even during especially cold days.
However, it is important to have a balance of around 50/50 water and antifreeze in order for it to have an effect. With this in mind, don’t forget to check your vehicles antifreeze levels and make top ups where necessary.
Your tyres are what keep you connected to the road, so if they’re not up to scratch, you could find yourself in extreme danger in slippery winter conditions. Thankfully, checking for wheel ware is as easy as inspecting the depth of your tyre tread.
Your tread needs to have a minimum depth of 1.6mm, which can be checked if you’ve got a 20p coin. Simply put the coin into the tread and if the outer band of the coin isn’t visible you’re above the legal limit. However, for especially slippery conditions, it may be best to consider having a minimum tread of 3mm. If you’re ever unsure however, it’s always best to talk to a trained professional.
As we’ve already mentioned, UK winters can be extremely unpredictable which is why it is so important to ensure you’re prepared for your journeys, especially longer trips. Before setting out, make sure to check the weather forecast and determine the safest route to your destination. Also, give yourself enough time for the journey to avoid rushing and potentially causing an accident.
Keeping on top of your fuel requirements is also a good idea as it’s not uncommon to get caught out by delays due to unsafe roads. Finally, consider investing in a winter breakdown kit so you’re prepared for a worst case scenario. The kit should include a shovel, high-visibility jacket, blanket, food and drink and de-icer, all of which will prepare you in the case of a long wait for breakdown assistance.
Having your vehicle serviced on a regular basis is arguably the most effective solution to staying safe on the roads. By having your vehicle checked over by a licenced engineer before the coldsnap hits, you could potentially save yourself a heap of trouble when the mercury truly begins to drop.
It’s also a great idea for people who don’t feel particularly comfortable inspecting their vehicle, as a qualified technician can cover all the essentials, from your tyres to your brakes, in order to give you ultimate peace of mind. Finally, a quality service could end up saving you from a nasty hit to your finances, by highlighting issues and rectifying them before they can grow into costly repairs.
From brake pad replacement to MOT testing, Acorn Tyres is here to help
As you can see, making checks to your vehicle during winter will not only keep your vehicle ticking over during the colder months, it could make a difference to your overall safety. Even better, if you’re in the Aylesbury area, Acorn Tyres & Servicing are on hand to ensure your vehicle is in top shape this winter.
Providing countless happy customers with an array of automotive services, from MOT tests to tyre repair, our team of specialists will ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road all year round. Also, with our comprehensive vehicle servicing options, any issues will be quickly identified and rectified, all at a fair and competitive price.
If you’re in the Aylesbury area and are looking for a team of skilled technicians you can trust with your vehicle, get in touch to book yourself a service with us today on 01296 612 075 or, for more information, why not check out our website?
