De-icing Your Car
Before you set off on any journey after a freezing evening or a heavy snowfall you should ensure your car is free of ice, snow and condensation.
If the snow is loose on your car, a simple item to use is a dustpan brush. If the snow is solid and doesn’t come off easily, you would approach it the same way as ice; using a gentle ice-scraper and some de-icer spray.
By law, you must also clear your windows of mist and condensation which can reduce your visibility whilst driving. This can be cleared by keeping a small mircofibre cloth/sponge in your car and wiping down your windows when you first enter your car. Another option is by starting your car off with cooler air rather than switching it straight to heat up.
We do not recommend using hot water to remove ice from your car is this could crack your windscreen. Also, you should not use credit cards or CD cases to act as an ice-scraper and this can scratch your windscreen and remove the protective film on your windows.
Failure to clear all snow, ice and condensation from your car (including the roof and lights) could land with you a £60 fine and 3 points on your license (229 Highway Code).
Emergency Kit In Your Boot
When the severe weather hits it can cause disruption on the roads which in turn, may take you longer to set away from home/work and sometimes even leave you with no choice but to leave your car. In these types of events you should always have an emergency kit in your boot:
• Warm Clothes & Blanket – a pair of wellies and a thick coat/blanket should keep you warm should you get stuck at the side of the road in bad snow and rain.
• Torch - Just in case you get stuck on a dark road or need to take a look under your car bonnet in the dark, a head torch would be best so you have both hands free!
• Extra Fluids – such as coolant, water and windscreen wash so you can top up on the go.
• Sandbag – if you have room in your boot and live/work on high grounds this helps in severe snowfalls, by placing the sandbag in front of your back wheels to stop your car from sliding.
• OS Road Map – keeping a paper map in your car will help during the times your Sat Nav may not pick up on road closures/small country lanes.
• Non-perishable Snacks – if in the unfortunate event you do get stranded and are waiting for roadside assistance during peak times, non-perishable snacks such as nuts, crisps and breakfast oat bars will help keep hunger levels at bay.
Vehicle Checks
If you’re travelling to visit family and friends this winter, it is essential to check your vehicle is prepared for the winter roads. You can do this at home by checking the tyre tread ensuring the tread is above the legal limit and there are no cuts or bulges.
You should check all of the essential fluids are topped up such as oil and windscreen wash; as the roads are more prone to dirt during the winter months with road salt and water you should check your windscreen wash at least once a week. Alternatively, you can book your winter check today at Richard Hardie for only £29.99.
If you would like more Winter Advice, contact your local Richard Hardie Centre today & a member of the team will be more than happy to help! Follow our social profiles to be kept up-to-date with the latest news over on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages!