Winter Driving Tips Part 5
Friday, 11. November 2011
To continue with the tips. There’s nothing worse than driving on a mucky road following a thaw and the washer fluid is frozen, again it’s illegal if you can’t see out of the windscreen. Coolant is another item that needs to be addressed. The correct concentration is essential if you are to avoid freezing. The coolant also acts as a lubricant and prevents corrosion so it’s very important. You can check the coolant strength with a coolant tester or have it checked at a garage. Top up with the correct coolant and check the strength or you can buy coolant ready mixed for your car.
Prestone is one make which can be used in any car (please read the label). When you are jumping in and out of a car whilst trying to get it moving on packed snow you probably aren’t taking much notice of the carpet or seats.
You can treat your seats if they are leather to protect them in the cold and prevent cracking, Carplan has Complete Leather cleaner that does the job.
You also need to think about either putting in rubber mats if you have none or replacing carpet mats with the rubber variety for the winter rather than ruin the carpet with defrosting snow.
Many garages will now carry out a winter check on your car free of charge but will of course expect to carry out changes or repairs found necessary. You can check a few things yourself like drive belts and hoses, check for slackness and cracks and don’t forget to check all lights and put a replacement set of bulbs in the boot.
Check, clean and lubricate all locks and check keyholes. Get yourself a lock de-icer but don’t leave it in the car, keep it in doors. Duh! No point in having a lock de-icer in the car if you can’t get the lock to work.
My dad always used to smear a little Vaseline around the door seals to stop them freezing to the bodywork. I assume it worked. Finally like puppies are not just for Christmas, air conditioning is not just for the summer.
You need to run it every so often to prevent the cooling gas from leaking. The system also needs to be used to lubricate seals and don’t forget that your air con system is often the quickest way to clear a misted windscreen.
I hope all of the advice helps and you have a problem free winter. By Graham Hill
