Winter motoring – be ready!

We’ve been chatting to Goodyear Tyres to get their thoughts on secure driving in the course of the winter months.

Their most recent research threw up a few difficult statistics on the subject.

• only 15% of motorists will take their car for a service this winter


• 44% of individuals say they actively try to use their auto less in the winter as they are worried about driving in dark, cold conditions


• more than half of drivers in the UK say they locate driving in the snow and ice nerve racking


• 48% list scraping ice off wind screens in the mornings as a problem


• 40% fret about the lack of grit on icy roads.

Rock steady

Goodyear’s Kate Rock told me: “Driving in winter can be nerve wracking for any driver, specifically in the course of the darker afternoons. Rain, icy roads or gently falling snow can make a enormous distinction to how your vehicle handles the road, so it’s vital to plan ahead and know your route and the weather situations expected just before you set off.

“Ensuring your vehicle is in good working situation to cope with every little thing which winter could throw at it is also essential to putting your thoughts at rest. It sounds straightforward but preparation truly is the crucial for winter driving.”

Kate’s leading 12 guidelines for coping in the dark months to come are:

1. add antifreeze to the engine coolant to defend your car against freezing and corrosion


2. change your oil and check the battery to make sure you have ample energy for cold winter begins


3. check your brakes to guarantee they are in complete operating order


4. verify headlights, rear lights, brake lights and turn indicators to make certain they are functioning properly.


5. stock up on emergency supplies – a torch, blanket, sand or salt, and an ice scraper are indispensable, along with spare winter clothing, foods, e.g. biscuits, and water. Emergency triangles and a phone charger are also worth taking into consideration, and do not overlook medicines and important personal supplies. It is often a good idea to have a initial aid kit handy also


6. let additional time to attain your destination as visibility can be challenging in winter


7. usually leave further space amongst you and the auto in front of you will give you ample time to come to a quit. It takes about 3 occasions longer to brake on wet roads than it does on dry roads.


8. check your tyres – are in very good situation and inflated to the proper stress. Contemplate winter tyres if you are going to be driving in snow and ice


9. in fog, slow down, brake as early as attainable and drive with fog lights. If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop in a secure spot till the fog clears


10. be conscious of high winds – slow down and be alert to wet or slippery roads. Be further cautious when passing autos such as caravans or lorries.


11. let added time to defrost windscreens and clear snow if necessary. Not clearing the ice appropriately from windscreen can effect on your visibility of other road customers and pedestrians


12. don’t leave your auto running on the drive although the windscreen defrosts. In the time it takes to nip back into the residence for a final swig of tea, a thief could be off and away in your vehicle.

Plane sailing

A final word on aquaplaning – certainly a single of the scariest items that can confront a driver, and a critical winter peril.

Kate explains what happens, and how to cope: “When the water in front of your tyres builds up quicker than your car’s weight can push it out of the way, the stress causes your automobile to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road.

“At this point, your auto can be entirely out of speak to with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road.

“To keep away from aquaplaning, hold your tyres correctly inflated, preserve very good tread on your tyres and replace them when required, slow down when roads are wet, and remain away from puddles. Try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the cars in front of you.

“If you do discover oneself aquaplaning, do not brake or turn abruptly as this could throw your auto into a skid. Ease your foot off the accelerator until the vehicle slows and you can really feel the road again.”

Winter motoring – be ready!