top driving tips

Top Tips

Driving in low winter sun

In winter, low winter sun can often be as dangerous as torrential rain. Here are some tips on driving more safely in the winter sun:

1. Always keep your windscreen clean inside and out, dirt can often make the effects of low winter sun much worse.

2.Be prepared, carry a pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment.

3. Use your car’s sun visors and take extra care when you are driving at sunrise or sunset. 
 

Driving in the fog

1. Drive slowly and use your fog lights or dipped headlights as necessary. Remember to switch them off when fog clears!


2. Don't drive to closely to the vehicle in front of you - you may be too close.


3. Don't speed up if it seems to be clearing; fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy.

Driving in ice and slush

Ice and slush makes driving particularly hazardous - it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.

1. When driving, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin on ice.

2. Manoeuvre gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.

3. To brake without locking your wheels, get into low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.

4. Take care around maintenance vehicles. Keep a safe distance behind salting lorries and snowploughs - don't attempt to overtake. Watch out for banks of snow thrown up by the plough.

5. In really bad snow -don't drive unless absolutely necessary - check weather forecasts and travel information and if possible tell someone what time you expect to arrive. Make sure you're equipped with warm clothing, food, a torch and spade in case you get stuck.

Driving in rain

In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads because your tyres have less grip on the road, always remember to keep well back from the car in front. Here are some top tips to help you drive more safely in wet weather:

1. You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead. 

2. If steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. 

3. The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.

Driving on Flooded Roads

With heavy downpours and flooding throughout the UK, Arnold Clark is providing tips on how to drive more safely on flooded roads.

1. Stay in first gear and drive slowly.

2. If possible drive in the middle of the road to avoid deeper water near the kerb.

3. Remember to test your brakes once you are through the flood before you drive at a normal speed.

Driving Frustrations

According to research recently conducted by the RAC, most drivers are most irritated when other drivers do not indicate, are cut up, tailgate and see others using their mobile phone when they are driving.

At Arnold Clark we may not be able to prevent all of your grievances but there is one in particular we can help with.

Using your mobile phone whilst driving can lead to penalty points and an on the spot fine if the police see you, as well as risking yours and others lives by not paying full attention on the road.

In view of this, Arnold Clark is providing you with tips to help prevent an accident when using your mobile phone:-

1. The most obvious and the easiest rule to follow is simply don’t answer your phone whilst you are driving.

2. Invest in a Bluetooth hands-free kit. This allows you to take any important calls without risking lives and losing concentration on the road. Arnold Clark branches will install your kit quickly and efficiently for you with prices starting from only £249 including fitting. Mobile phones can be placed in a cradle on your dashboard or a speaker can be installed on your visor. This allows you the driver to take any important calls and not break any laws in the process.

3. Buy a Bluetooth headset. This is easy to use, compact and allows calls to be taken without breaking the law, with Arnold Clark prices starting from only £19.99

Each of our 145 car dealerships throughout the UK offers a Parts and Accessories department and has a vast range of in-car accessories available from quality-assured manufacturers. Contact your local Arnold Clark branch for further information.

Take care when driving in wet weather conditions

As the dark nights and mornings creep in and the weather gradually takes a turn for the worse. Accident Exchange is warning of a 15% jump in road traffic accidents in October compared to the monthly average.

 Arnold Clark is providing tips on driving in wet weather conditions to help prevent you from being involved in an accident :-

1. Slow down – when the road is wet, your tyres have less grip therefore it is important to keep your speed down.

2. Increase stopping distances – increase the distance between you and the car in front. A vehicle travelling at 40mph will need up to 72 metres to come to a stop whereas in wet weather conditions stopping distances can double.

3. Turn on your headlights – rain and spray reduces visibility and turning on your headlights makes you more visible to other drivers in wet weather conditions.

If you are involved in an accident, Arnold Clark ACCIST will manage the whole accident process for you. Find out more about our complementary hassle-free accident management service.

Keep calm in a jam

Whether you are travelling home from a tiring day in the office, rushing to make a doctor’s appointment or returning from a relaxing holiday, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a traffic jam. Arnold Clark has some top tips on how to keep calm when you are stuck in a traffic jam :

1. First and foremost, always remember to remain calm. Beeping your horn, making rude gestures and becoming irate will not get you to your destination any quicker.

2. Ensure you have your gearstick in neutral and your handbrake is securely locked.

3. Keeping your car engine running whist you are stationary wastes fuel, therefore if you are not moving turn your engine off and save some fuel.

4. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

5. Keep your radio on and tune into local traffic reports as they may keep you updated on any unexpeted accidents or roadworks.

Long distance driving

Whether you are planning a weekend trip away or a tour of the British Isles, Arnold Clark have some helpful hints on driving long distances, to make sure you have a pleasant and enjoyable journey.

1. Ensure you carry out car safety checks :
   • check brakes, tyres, lights and air conditioning
   • check petrol, water and oil levels and top up where necessary.

2. Plan your route beforehand; either use a map, online route planner or a satellite navigation system. If you are using a satellite navigation system ensure you have a hard copy of your route incase your battery runs out or you lose signal.

3. Make sure you always take regular breaks whilst driving long distances. If possible, share the driving duties.

4. Pack food and water incase you are stuck in any unexpected traffic jams.

5. Finally, before you embark on your travels check you have packed :

   • breakdown details
   • torch
   • reflective triangle sign
   • high- visibility jacket
   • jumpleads
   • water
   • first-aid kit.

Keep calm in an accident

Arnold Clark has some helpful hints on what to do if you are involved in an accident: -

1. Keep paper and a pen in your car and take a note of the time and date of the accident.

2. Take contact details of the driver involved i.e. name, address, contact and telephone number.

3. Take details of the other vehicle involved i.e. make, model, colour and registration number.

4. Take insurance details for the driver of the other vehicle.

5. Take note of any road markings and also the driving conditions.

6. Carry a first aid kit.

7. If necessary, contact the police or emergency services.

8. If you are on a motorway, get out of the car and wait for help on the embankment.

9. Tell recovery vehicles if you are a woman alone or with children, as you may be regarded as a priority case.

10. Above all, remember to remain calm.

Arnold Clark offers all customers ACCIST, a complimentary accident management service. To find out more information, simply click here.

Keep you and your car safe

Arnold Clark has some top tips on car security to help keep both you and your car safe:

1. Ensure all doors are locked while you are driving and valuable items should be out of reach of criminals, who can approach your car when you are stationary, whether you are stopped at traffic lights or in a traffic queue.

2. Always lock your car, whether or not you are leaving your car for a few minutes or overnight. Ensure you close all windows and the sunroof, put the steering lock on and activate any alarm fitted.

3. Always choose a busy, well-lit place to park, preferably find a parking spot close to CCTV cameras.

4. Don't leave anything on display or stored in your car overnight.

5. Keep car keys away from doors and windows.

Arnold Clark has a selection of parts and accessories available whether you are looking for a new alarm and immobiliser to be fitted, contact your local Arnold Clark parts department and experience genuine value for money.

Summer Driving

With the scorching sunny days underway, Arnold Clark has some hot tips to help you stay cool whilst driving this summer:

1. Prepare your route and always allow more time than you will think you need and watch out for traffic black spots.

2. Allow stops for comfort breaks and refreshments, and if traveling a long distance, ensure the driving is shared.

3. Help avoid travel sickness among passengers by keeping the car cool and well ventilated.

Arnold Clark has a selection of stylish convertibles to help keep you cool this summer. If you are looking for inspiration this summer, visit Inspire Me and let Arnold Clark find the right car for you.

Fuel Efficient Driving

To make life easier, we have a few tips on how to be more fuel-efficient and benefit both you and your pocket:

1. Plan your route carefully, try to avoid roadworks and busy roads where you may need to stop and start. Maintain a steady speed as unnecessary acceleration uses a lot of fuel.

2. If you are stuck in traffic for a few minutes ensure you switch your engine and any other electrical components off e.g. air conditioning and heated seats.

3. Have your vehicle serviced regularly as this helps maintain efficient running and good economy. Inefficient, under-serviced engines can reduce fuel economy by ten percent or more. Catalytic converters are environmentally friendly but only if they are properly maintained.

Arnold Clark have dedicated a section on their new website to finding you the most economical new and nearly new cars at the lowest prices. Click here to view Arnold's environmentally friendly cars.


Keeping your car healthy

Here are some top tips on maintaining your car:

1. Every week check your tyres tread depth to ensure they are of legal limit. Use a tyre depth gauge to check there is at least 1.6mm of rubber across the central three quarters of tread all the way round the tyre.

2. On a weekly basis check your tyre pressure. Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, therefore more fuel is being used and more C02 emissions are produced. Over inflated tyres can also be unsafe, check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure.

3. Every fortnight check your oil levels:

- Simply leave the car to cool for ten minutes.

- Remove and wipe away any unwanted oil deposits from the oil dipstick.

- Put the dipstick back into the engine, wait for a few seconds and remove it again to check the levels.

- The oil should be between both marks, but preferably closer to the maximum mark.

- If you need to top up the oil, locate the oil filler cap; pour in small amounts of oil until the level is correct.

Arnold Clark Servicing and Repairs offer a complimentary vehicle heath check at most branches. Contact your
local dealer for further information or book online using our easy to use booking form.


In-Car Child Safety

For the eighth consecutive year, Arnold Clark is delighted to support the In-Car Child Safety - Good Egg Guide campaign.  The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of using correctly fitted child seats or restraints.

In-Car Child Safety has organised local car clinics this year to offer help and practical advice to parents. Here are some top tips from In-Car Child Safety to get you started

1. Child seats should fit BOTH the child and the car – use the correct seat for the child and the vehicle.

2.  After an impact of any type, your child seat and seatbelt should be replaced.

3. Check that the buckle doesn’t rest against the seat frame as it could shatter under stress.

4. Remember, if you take the car seat out for cleaning; make sure it is re-installed correctly.

5. Always make sure that the harness on the child car seat is tight with no twists.

6. Never tuck the seat belt under the child’s arm or behind their back.

7. Ensure that the chosen retailer has trained members of staff, will fit and check the seat and will guide you through the fitting process

8. Check your seat before every journey.

If you would like more information about In Car Child Safety, visit www.protectchild.co.uk to find a car clinic near you.