The air is getting colder, the days shorter and that means winter is almost here. As drivers we all need to take a little more care driving in the winter, especially if where you live is prone to snow and ice on the roads. The slippery winter conditions demand respect from motorists, if you don’t treat it accordingly it is almost guaranteed that you will need to contact your car insurance provider and risk losing your no claims bonus, so what can be done to avoid this?
Let’s have a look
Check your vehicle before major trips
Be sure that your car is in perfect working order before setting off on a major trip; your safety depends on it. So what should you check?
Liquid levels – ensure all of the following liquid levels are correct BEFORE you leave
· Oil
· Windscreen cleaner
· Brake fluid
· Power steering fluid
· Coolant (with anti-freeze)
· Water
It is also advisable to take a bottle of each (including petrol / diesel) along as a precaution, because you never know what could happen.
What you should have in your car
Besides ensuring all of your fluid levels and reservoirs are sufficiently full you will also need to have a couple of things in your car in case of an emergency and they include:
- Ice scraper and de-icing liquid (for your windscreen and windows, visibility is crucial)
- A reliable torch and some spare batteries
- A change of warm clothes and a blanket
- A pair of waterproof boots
- A complete first-aid kit
- Jumper leads
- A small spade (for the snow)
- Food and a warm drink in a flask for particularly cold weather
- A mobile phone with sufficient battery life and airtime
- Your motor insurance documentation – just in case
Safe driving this winter and remember that even though you performed these checks and keep all of the items in your car you need to drive patiently and carefully. You should also take care whilst driving, remember to drive as smoothly (gradual acceleration and deceleration) as sudden movements will result in a phone call to your car insurance provider.
