Lower the cost of winter driving
With the AA servicing 133,000 breakdowns in the week before Christmas last year, you could face a hefty bill if you don't take these precautions.
Last year Britain shivered through its coldest winter in 30 years and it looks like this year will follow suit. Severe weather warnings are in place across most of the UK and once again there have been major disruptions on roads, some police agencies are warning motorists to stay off the roads entirely.
There are however a few things you can do to ensure you protect yourself from unnecessary winter motoring costs. Parkers the car buyer’s website and the AA both have an extensive list of what you can do to protect your car during the winter months.
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Get breakdown cover
This past weekend the AA serviced around 30,000 breakdowns which is double the normal amount. Check the details of your car insurance policy to see if you are covered for breakdown. Most policies will not include it but it's an inexpensive addition to ensure you are protected this winter.
There is no telling when a breakdown may occur in these conditions so in order to save yourself time and money it may be a good idea to consider breakdown cover that will ensure you have adequate roadside assistance.
Optimise your brakes
It’s already hard enough to brake on snow and ice without having to worry about the state of your anti-lock braking system (ABS). Ensure that your brakes work well in wet conditions and you have sufficient brake fluid. This could be the difference between stopping at the right point and getting into an accident.
Check your tyres
Worn down tyres can have a detrimental effect over the control of your car on slippery roads. Although checking your tyres should be done throughout the year, during the winter months this practice has increased importance. Ensure all four tyres are at the right pressure and that your spare in the boot is repaired from the last time you used it.
It is also wise to check the tread to ensure your tyres have sufficient grip in the snow. If you are driving a car with rear wheel drive it may be a good idea to look into some winter tyres or you may find yourself sliding all over the road.
Top-up antifreeze
Every couple of years, antifreeze and engine coolant deteriorates leaving your engine vulnerable to freezing. Both engine coolant and antifreeze are designed to ensure that your engine operates properly. Antifreeze is necessary to prevent the engine from overheating as well as from freezing during the winter months. While antifreeze can be quite cheap, severe engine damage could be a lot more costly.
Make sure you know what type of antifreeze your car needs as mixing in the wrong type can damage the engine. A 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system is necessary in winter. If you are unsure, take your car to the dealership so you can make sure it is done correctly.
Battery
Many of us may leave our car untouched for part of the year to discover that the battery is low on power. Your car battery should always be inspected using special equipment to ensure that it has adequate power and is fully functional.
Lights
According to Parkers.co.uk, we can receive a £30 fixed penalty for driving with a faulty bulb.It goes without saying that all lights should be functioning well and burnt out bulbs should be replaced.
As shortened days make daylight scarce during the winter months it is important that you can see as well as be seen by other drivers. Lights that function properly give a clear indication of where you are on the road and will help you and other drivers keep the appropriate distance from one an other.
Emergency kit
Winter driving can be unpredictable, other than getting stuck in traffic a number of things can go wrong such as a breakdown or running out of gas on a long stretch of road without a petrol station in sight. It is advisable to have an emergency kit onboard at all times. This kit should include flares, boots, a flashlight, snacks and a warm blanket in case you have to wait for assistance.
**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**
