With the Winter well and truly in its element we thought it’s about time to remind all motorists to be increasingly vigilant. We find accidents tend to increase as the snow falls heavier and icy roads are common to find. There are several kinds of roadside assistance out there, but here are some tips to prevent accidents in the coldest season of the year:
• Check your tyres – Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice. If you live in an area where snow is common it might be worth changing to winter tyres with deeper tread.
• Don’t forget the anti-freeze! Before you begin driving make sure to fully remove any icy patches with hot water or anti-freeze. Also check the wind screen washer can withstand cold temperatures.
• Top up on various fluids – anti-freeze in the coolant, check the oil and, of course, petrol.
• Car Battery – statistics show that the breakdown insurers attend more call-outs for batteries than any other problem. During February 2012 we went to more than 50,000 battery-related call-outs. During the winter months we really recommend checking your battery once a week and charging it if required. This is particularly important if your battery is more than four years old.
• Only drive if it’s absolutely necessary to do so, and don’t be afraid to turn back if you think the conditions are too dangerous.
• You may need to leave as much as ten times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front.
• Pack for yourself – in more rural situations you may want to carry a shovel and good boots in your vehicle, and perhaps check the route you intend to take has mobile signal. In cities, make sure your mobile has full battery, and have a careful route plan. Also, be more aware of pedestrians who may not be able to see in darker conditions.
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