Is your car ready for winter?
It’s coming up to that time of year now, where the roads are becoming increasingly harder to navigate because of rain, ice, wind and lately, even fog!
At the weekend I was happily motoring up the M3 on the way to LaplandUK and the wind was so strong it literally ripped the wiper blade off my car which was a bit of a scary experience. Thankfully we were only a few miles from our destination and it wasn’t raining, just the spray from the road, so we managed to get there safely and find the local Halfords to replace it.
Breakdown providers respond to thousands of breakdowns every year and call-outs almost double in winter months as visibility gets poorer and temperatures fall.
What can you do to prevent breakdowns?
- Get your car serviced regularly as this can help prevent car problems
- Check your car battery as using your lights and heaters during the cold weather can but more strain on the battery.
- Check your tyres. Sadly hubby did last week and we needed three new ones, two were in need of replacing and the other had a slow puncture. We had them filled with Nitrogen at National Tyres UK as they do not lose air pressure as quickly as air, but have been advised to check the pressure every 2 weeks as the tyres can flatten slightly in the overnight cold air. Check UK Tyre Shopper for the best deals.
- Get under the bonnet – this is hubby’s job. We check the oil and water making sure the levels are within the minimum and maximum and use a 50/50 of anti-freeze and water.
- Check your lights – make sure they are all in working order and clean.
- Check your brakes as in winter months your car’s ability to stop at a shorter distance can significantly decrease when the roads are wet and icy.
- Check your wiper blades! If they are squeaking this can mean they are damaged and need replacing and keep them clean so they can clear the dirty spray from other cars more efficiently.
- Have a winter car kit
To help me to gear-up and stay safe on the roads this winter, LV= have invited me to join their #CarCareClub and sent a car care kit worth £100 full of “stuff and things” I need to be ready to tackle the changing driving conditions. Sadly it didn’t contain a windscreen wiper but it is full of things that could come in useful if the worst happens and I break down or get stuck.
In my kit is:
Ø De-icer
Ø Tow rope
Ø High-vis vest
Ø Torch
Ø Blanket
Ø Portable phone charger
Ø Hand Warmers
Breakdown Cover is also very important to have, especially during winter months so make sure you check your policy cover. If you do have cover, remember to have your breakdown membership card and breakdown documents with you on your journey.
If you are in any doubt about your car, seek professional advice from your mechanic or car dealer.
Is your car ready for winter?
Rachel
My tip – keep a bottle of water in the boot too, if you get stranded you will need a drink x
Kara
That is a great tip!!
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops
My husband is from Denmark and there are always super prepared with this type of thing because they get a lot more snow over there – we checked our tires not so long ago and needed all three new ones. Cars are just a black hole for money! These are great tips and I think one of those kits in every car is a must
Tori Gabriel
I don’t drive but I’m starting lessons next month (at the ripe old age of 32). I read this with great interest and I’ll pin it too as I think it’s really useful, especially to a beginner like me.
Zena's Suitcase
I absolutely dread something like this happening. We are heading to Lapland UK too, and I’m travelling alone with the girls. I always have a winter check on the car, but I could do with some of these supplies in case of emergencies
Sonia
I don’t have a car so just brave the cold and walk everywhere lol My other half always make sure his car is in tip top shape for winter but I always make sure we have blankets to keep us warm if we should break down x
Ickle Pickle
Brilliant tips – my car is older and I need to check everything. My lights have already played up 🙁 Kaz x