It is certainly getting cold in the UK and many other places in the Northern Hemisphere. As the cold weather continues to get more extreme, such as snow and ice, you need to make sure your car is ready to deal with it. Minimising travel during extreme weather conditions is advisable but it can’t always be avoided. You don’t need to be scared of travel but you should always be prepared.
Ensure Your Tyres are Inflated
If your tyre pressure light has come on or your tyres are looking flat you can immediately fix the problem by inflating them with the air machine. Your car’s handbook should specify what level of inflation your tyres need to be at, so you can use this as guidance when you are putting the air back in. You don’t want to overinflate or underinflate so ensure you keep checking the pressure as you go. Low tyre pressure can sometimes be a symptom of a puncture. If you are looking for tyres in Tunbridge Wells or have any concerns regarding your vehicle, then take it to the local garage.
Air Conditioning & Heating Recharge
There’s nothing worse than getting into a freezing car, especially in the morning. You may think an air con recharge is something you don’t want to pay for but it is definitely worth considering. This is less about your car having a problem and more about increasing the comfort you have in your car during the winter period. The hot air will also help you to defrost your windscreen and windows, so it’s a win-win situation!
Keep an Emergency Kit
Always have contingency in place in case something does go wrong. Risks can be minimised as much as possible but it is always good to have the right resources available to you, such as a first aid kit. You may want to invest in some highly visible clothing such as a jacket and also some emergency supplies such as snacks and a blanket. This is mainly for those who are travelling away from home in the snow but there is no harm is doing this, regardless of your situation.
Repair Any Broken Lights
Lighting is essential if you are driving in the snow, ice or in the dark. Other road users need to be able to see you and you need to be able to see them. Your front lights can be easily be checked – just turn them on and get out your car to check them. Your brake and reverse lights can best be checked when you’re with a friend or family member. Get them to stand at the back of the vehicle whilst you press on the brake/put your car into reverse and they can confirm whether the lights are working or not. If any of them are not working then you should aim to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Keep an Eye on the Battery
If you aren’t driving your car a lot in the winter then this could affect the battery, meaning you are left unable to drive your car, or you might need to try and jump start it. This is a massive pain and can waste endless hours of trying to make things work. You can stop this from happening in the first place by purchasing a battery charger. This will show you the current charging levels of the battery and also inform you if it’s about to die. If your battery is super old and on its last legs, you may have to buy a new battery altogether.
We hope you have found our tips useful. Safe travels!
