Winter Driving Tips
2010-11-08
As the weather has now taken a turn for the worse and winter is well on its way it is important to be that little bit more aware of your vehicle and the conditions on the road. Here are a few tips that you may find useful.
Bodywork
Wash the car frequently to get rid of the salt and dirt that builds up over the winter.
On the Road
On colder days be particularly careful on tree–lined roads – the trees prevent the sun's warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed. Through the winter months dazzle from the low sun can be a particular problem especially if your windscreen is greasy so always make sure your water jets are filled up. Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows.
Heavy Rain
Only drive through water if you know that it's not too deep for your car.
Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave. Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water.
Driving fast through standing water can cause expensive damage – the air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. All engines are affected but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable.
As you drive slowly through standing water keep the engine rev's high by using a lower gear, otherwise water in the exhaust could damage the catalytic convertor.
If you break down in heavy rain don't prop the bonnet open while you wait for the patrol to arrive – the engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all rain-soaked.
Drive safe.
