Winter Motoring Checklist
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 09 December 2011
Latest weather reports indicate that the mild weather is drawing to a close, temperatures are dropping and, with high winds forecast, the ‘wind chill’ will be more noticeable.
Last year Lincolnshire and indeed Britain as a whole, was caught out by the bad weather and some drivers experienced hours of standing in traffic or faced an overnight stay at the office.
You should, by now, have checked your vehicles to make sure tyres, tyre pressures, coolant and washer levels are correct and that the all around condition of the vehicle will see you through the winter months. However, it is not too late to have your garage check your car for you. It makes sense to make sure your vehicle is in good running order now, before the colder weather sets in. Additionally, you can make things easier for yourselves by carrying some essentials.
Regular servicing and checking your vehicle before setting off on a journey will reduce your chances of breaking down. In rural Lincolnshire it is always good practice to carry an emergency kit. These few simple items stored in your car can make the difference when stranded, and may prevent you from being a casualty.
In these times of economic recession money is always in short supply but always try to have your fuel tank OVER half full. If stranded you can at least stay warm with the engine running and re-charge your phone if needed.
Highways Agency winter campaign
LincsMag is supporting the Highways Agency's 'Make time for winter' campaign.
The Highways Agency has more than 500 winter service vehicles on standby but crews need time and space to get ahead of traffic and keep the network clear. You can help by planning your journey around the weather.
Be informed - check traffic and weather
Be prepared - check your vehicle and carry an emergency kit
Be aware - winter teams need time and space to do their job
Be wise - conditions may change, drive with care
What to do now to prepare for the winter ahead
It is a fact that you're more likely to break down in a bad winter ... obviously, as the conditions put an extra strain on you and your vehicle.
There are, of course, more risk of delays from such as vehicles in front losing control ... a car skidding or a lorry jack-knifing, and you won't be able to get through. Very likely in such circumstances, you could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared.
John Siddle, Communications Manager Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership says, "My advice is to be prepared for the very worst case should it all go wrong. Make sure you plan your route and you have a road map as a back up to your SatNav. Get a travel update before you set off and listen to the travel and weather news as you go. If the weather is bad and the forecast is for it to get worse – do you need to travel at all?
"If you do need to travel and your car has been prepared for winter driving and you have your emergency kit, please ensure your windscreen is clean, the other windows are free from snow and ice and properly demisted. Clear snow off the roof, bonnet and boot of the car. Even at slow speed ice and snow can slip over your windscreen and obscure your view and present a hazard for other road users. Slow down and give yourself extra time for your journey.’ Your stopping distance is multiplied by 10 in snow and ice!"
Things you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions...
Check your car
Locks and door seals - stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing. If they do freeze use such as AutoGlym De-Icer that de-ices glass and locks and is harmless in contact with automotive paintwork, rubber, plastics and glass.
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.
Battery - the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Lights - check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs.
Tyres - should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
Windscreen - reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.
Screen wash - use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.
Essentials
Fully-charged mobile phone and in-car charger
Sunglasses – to deal with glare from the sun or snow
Personal medication
Warning triangle
Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area like Lincolnshire)
Battery jump leads
Bottled water
Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
Extra screen wash
Flask of hot drink
Spare bulbs
First aid kit
Road atlas – in case of diversions
Sat-nav or printed route for unfamiliar journeys
Breakdown membership card
Winter emergency kit
Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
Shovel
Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow
Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice
Reflective jacket(s)
Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch and batteries
Tow rope
When bad weather is forecast
Sturdy boots
Warm winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves
Waterproofs
Make time for winter
The Highways Agency’s advice to road users this winter, "Make time for winter", please visit highways.gov.uk/winter
