Tips Before You Drive in Winter Weather
If we tried to be completely thorough, we could probably come up with a huge list of things to do and think about when it comes to winter driving, but most of us would probably switch off half way down the list and might miss some of the most important tips. So, instead of covering everything, here are the most important tips about winter tires, car care, car service and car maintenance for winter driving conditions.
Tires
Some of the same rules apply all year round when it comes to tires, but as the winter weather approaches it's a particularly good time to have a refresher. Making sure the pressure in your tires is correct is vital for them to work properly and keep you safe. Ignore any urban myths about under-inflating them in the snow unless you’re participating in an Arctic or Antarctic expedition to one of the poles. Check all the pressures are at the level recommended by the manufacturer, and don’t forget that should also include the spare.
Winter tires are something anyone living where snow is a regular feature of winter, and they really are better now than they've ever been. It's not an exaggeration to say they offer so much grip on the snow and ice it's possible to get tire squeal from them in those conditions. Some suppliers and fitters will even store your other set for a small fee if you don’t have room at home, and having them swapped over is a small cost and inconvenience for the extra safety they provide.
Battery and electrics
Check your battery is charging fully before those cold mornings put you at risk of not getting started and on your way if it isn’t working the way it should. If you’re not sure about it get a professional to check it out for you, and at the same time make sure all your electrical systems and your lights are working. Seriously cold weather means you'll be asking more of your heater, blowers and lights, so make sure they’re working to begin with.
Brakes
If you have an old car you might have to pump your brakes to get them to work on the snow or ice, so making sure the shoes, rotors and calipers is important. But even if you have modern ABS the same things need checking, and if the ABS light is coming on when it shouldn’t you could have a fault with the pump. Once again, if you’re not sure about checking brakes it's not a great chore, have an expert check them out for you.
Windshield wipers and fluid
It's horrible to be travelling at speed when your windshield gets covered in snow, slush or mud and you activate your wipers to find all they do is smear or streak your windshield. Worn, cracked or nicked rubber is the cause and it can be quickly, easily and cheaply avoided by fitting new rubber before the bad weather arrives. Every driver should be ok with filling the washer fluid, but make sure the water has the right amount of washer fluid added for better cleaning and to prevent it from freezing.
Winter driving
A whole book could be written and there are extensive courses for driving in winter conditions, but for the majority of normal winter driving the overriding message is simply slow down and be prepared. Stopping on the ice, snow or in the wet is more difficult than dry conditions, so slowing down gives you a better chance. Going slower also gives you more time to take action if you see something ahead of concern.
The best way to prepare your car for the winter is to bring it in to us here at Avis Ford for our expert team to give it the once-over for you. To schedule an appointment for a winter health check for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.