Alfa Romeo

Some Winter Driving Tips! - 10/01/2010

We have put together some winter driving tips to help you keep safe in this weather. If you are unsure about any of these things, please contact us and we will be only too happy to help!

BEFORE SETTING OFF - BE PREPARED

*Check the weather forcast just before setting off.

*Make sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and that they have at least 3mm of tread remaining

*Make sure your wiper blades are not worn so that they will clean the extra dirt and salt from the winter roads. Also check you have sufficient water in the washers and add some cold weather additive to try and reduce the chance of freezing.

*Also make sure your wipers are not frozen to the screen or the windscreen is not covered in snow before turning them on as this is likely to cause the wiper motor to burn out.

*Make sure that your battery is fully charged, remember batteries last between 3-5 years and work alot harder in the winter when we have nearly all the electrics turned on.

*Carry De-Icer and a Scraper with you as you never know how quickly the glass may ice over when you are away from the car.

*Also carry a bottle of water and a cloth to keep your lights and mirrors clean as they get dirty very quickly and affect visibility especially in the low sun.

*Take sunglasses as the low sun can be very bright reflecting off the snow and wet roads

*Check the antifreeze in your radiator and that is is topped up.

*It is advisable to carry the following just incase you get stuck by sudden weather changes. You always see it happen to others on the TV.
A warm coat, scarf and gloves,
A torch,
A shovel,
First aid kit,
Spare Bulbs,
Jump Leads,
Some food and drink (chocolate, energy/sugary drinks, peanuts etc) just incase you are there for a while, to keep your energy levels up.

WHILST ON THE ROADS

*Drive at a speed you feel safe giving you more time to react to what is around you. Even if the roads have been treated the will still be slippier than normal.

*Keep the car in front at least twice the distance away as you would normally as it may take alot longer to stop.

*Keep an eye on your outside temperature gauge so you know what the road is likely to be like.

*Try and stay in the gritted areas as the snow or ice can drag you quickly off your driving line and also you will not brake as easily and safely.

*Try not to stop more than you need to, reduce your speed and try to keep rolling. Do not stop at the bottom of a slope or you will struggle to get up it.

*Keep in a higher gear, as you are less likely to spin the driving wheels at lower revs.

*If you start to skid, depress the clutch NOT the brake and steer in the direction of the skid.

*Try not to change direction or speed suddenly as this is likely to cause the tyres to lose traction on the road surface.

*Allow extra time for your journey and don't make unneccessary ones.

(These tips have been taken from the Highways Agency Website)
If you are in any doubt over the health of your car, please call in and we will check it for you free of charge.