Winter Driving Tips Pt 4

Wednesday, 9. November 2011

I’m now going to list a pile of tips from experts that should help you have a trouble free winter in your car. More and more experts are recommending that you fit winter tyres. They are of a different compound and certainly provide extra grip at lower temperatures and are much safer but having a second set of tyres is expensive so you should make sure that your all year tyres have plenty of tread, recommended 3mm (legal limit 1.6mm). As you get to the limit not only does the grip reduce, so does performance and water clearance which can lead to aqua planning.

Tyres also wear quicker in winter than summer so you need to keep a regular eye on them. Also check the tyre pressures including the spare. The largest number of roadside assistance call outs in winter are for dead batteries.

If your battery is approaching 5 years or more you should replace it as it is getting to the end of its reliable life. Check terminals, make sure that they are clean and tight. There are battery chargers that have a re-conditioning mode, if you, or a friend has one you should use it now if you have any doubts about your battery.

Quick Fit service and tyre centres can also carry out a battery condition test for you for free. Now would also be a good time to think about your bodywork, have your car cleaned then apply a good quality car wax to help the paintwork survive harsh winter conditions. Any scratches or marks should be treated first with either a touch up pen or say Autoglym Paint Renovator. Glass needs to be attended to. On the inside use a quality glass cleaner, preferably one that prevents misting and keep a cloth in the car to wipe the glass if it mists up. It’s an offence to drive a car if you can’t see through the windscreen. On the outside you should use a rain repellent cleaner as it lasts longer and it does what it says, keeping rain droplets to a minimum and making clearing ice from the screen easier.

EnduroShield costs £14.95 but lasts for a long time or there is Diamondbrite Rainscreen at £9. Next on the list is screenwash, you need to make sure that you use a wash that contains anti-freeze and is mixed in the correct proportions. By Graham Hill