Arnold Clark - Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips

During the winter months it is even more important to check that your vehicle is well maintained and in good running order. Arnold Clark would like to help prepare drivers for the unpredictable British winter weather.
Arnold Clark Service Centres are offering a free Winter health check (RRP £10) on all vehicle makes and models at over 120 locations. The Winter Check includes brake, battery, light and tyre check, all tyre pressures will be adjusted as necessary and oil and screenwash levels topped up free of charge if required. A voucher can be downloaded via the link at the bottom of the page.
However, if you are unable to visit your local branch, below are Arnold Clarks top tips on maintaining your car throughout the winter months.
 

Top Tips

Before You Travel

It is vital to be prepared for tough weather conditions especially if you are taking a long trip, therefore before you set off on your journey ensure you have:

A winter weather kit complete with:

  • sun glasses for protection from the glare of the winter sun
  • fully charged mobile
  • de-icer and ice scraper
  • warm clothes and boots
  • rug
  • extra food and drink
  • high visibility jacket, warning triangle, torch and first aid kit
  • jump leads, tow rope and shovel (if you are in an extremely badly affected area)

Plan your route using main roads where possible and try to drive on gritted road.
Always check your route and also the weather forecast for your planned route, prior to departing.

Clear all windows of snow and ice including the roof of your vehicle.
Allow extra time for journeys.

 

Car Safety Checks

Tyres

Check all tyres’ condition, pressure and depths. A 3mm tread is recommended for driving in winter weather.
Find out more about recommended tyre pressures.

Ensure you know how to change a wheel if necessary and also have a working jack and wheel brace.

Battery/Electrics

Try to avoid running car electrics longer than needed.

When starting your engine, ensure wipers, lights and rear screen heaters are all switched off.

If your engine doesn’t start quickly, leave 30 second bursts between attempts to allow your battery to recover.

Batteries rarely last over five years, therefore it is better to replace them before the end of their life and save yourself a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road when they finally fizzle out on the roadside.

Antifreeze

A 50-50 mix of both water and antifreeze is required in the cooling system throughout winter weather and can help prevent hundreds of pounds worth of engine damage.

If your fan belt squeals once the engine has started the cylinder block or water pump could be frozen. Stop the engine and allow it to thaw out. This may take several days unless you can move your car to a heated garage.

Vision

Ensure your windscreen is clean and clear, as the low winter sun can often dazzle causing your vision to become blurred.

Check you have topped up your screenwash levels and keep windows and windscreens clear. If your vision is obscured through dirt and snow on the windows you could face a fine.

Don’t use water as this will freeze.

Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows.

Once you have parked your car, ensure your wipers are switched off when there is a risk of freezing. If you don’t do this and your blades freeze to the screen then you could damage the blades.


Once you have your vehicle ready for your journey then here are some helpful hints to help you drive more safely in snow and ice:

  • Remember stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer on ice and snow.
  • Listen to travel news while you are on route to your destination.
  • Ensure you are wearing dry comfortable shoes, wet and snow covered shoes will slip on the pedals.
  • Select second gear when pulling away and gently ease your foot off the clutch.
  • Choose third or fourth gear when you are driving downhill to help prevent skidding.
  • Try to maintain a steady speed and choose the most suitable gear in advance to avoid changing gears whilst driving uphill.
  • Try not to brake, use your gears to reduce your speed.
  • If you get stuck, try to straighten your steering wheel and clear snow from your wheels.
  • If you feel your car begin to skid, depress the clutch and steer your wheel into the skid. DON’T BRAKE!

Don’t forget to download your voucher today for your FREE vehicle health check!

 

Download Voucher
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