Driving wise in winter

Don’t get left out in the cold! Make the right checks before your journey.  The winter weather can play havoc with your car, so we have put together a few tips on how to conquer the cold.

• Antifreeze is a breeze – A 50/50 mixture with water will provide your engine with maximum protection down to around -30° centigrade.
• AC/DC – Air Conditioning will Demist your Car, greatly improving your vision.
• Ice, Ice Baby – Use a scraper or de-icer to get snow and ice off the windows.
• Up on the Roof – Always clear snow from your roof.  Snow on the roof can easily slide down the windscreen and obstruct your vision.
• Highlight headlights – Check the bulbs and light strength; you certainly do not want to be left with one headlight in severe snow at night.
• Early bird – Waking up earlier than usual may be a bit of a pain, but it gives you time to prepare the car properly before setting off.
• Stop sooner – Your stopping distance is 10 times longer in ice and snow.
• Have a brake – Apply the brakes carefully and gently.
• Heat helps – A cigarette lighter can be used to warm up a frozen lock, whilst carefully tipping boiling water from a kettle into the seam of a frozen car door is very effective.  Remember not to get boiling water on the glass, as it may crack!  Always be careful with boiling water.

Some tips for summer

Everyone knows that winter driving can be dangerous, but it’s important to prepare properly for hot journeys as well.  Here are some helpful hints for summertime driving.

• Check please! – Check water and oil regularly in order to keep your car happy in the summer.
• Keep coolant – The engine cooling system is vital, and hot weather requires extra vigilance.  Keep your coolant topped up to avoid problems such as overheating.
• Key care – If you’re visiting the beach make sure you keep the keys in safe place.  Those with a transponder key should remember that salt water can permanently damage the electric circuits.
• Tyre tips – Your tyres can be at risk in hot weather; the temperatures will act as a catalyst to any wear and damage being caused by under-inflation.  This may result in a blow-out, so check your handbook, tyre or car door for the correct pressure, and make sure you maintain this.
• Don’t stare at the glare – It is always useful to have a pair of clean and scratch-free sunglasses handy in case of blinding glare from the sun.
• A clean windscreen – Keep it clean inside and out, as smears will reflect sunlight.