Winter Motoring Checklist

WINTER MOTORINGO CHECKLIST It is no surprise that you're more likely to break down in bad weather, and there's more risk of delays too- although not necessarily in the way you'd expect. If vehicles ahead lose control, you won't be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains. You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared. Here's what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions. CHECK YOUR CAR The most common cause of winter breakdowns. Check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate protection. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced to avoid the inconvenience of a failure. Extra tip: Keep a Portable Car Jump Starter Battery in your boot ANTIFREEZE BATTERY Stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing. EO Check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. Extra tip: Keep a pack of spare bulbs for every light in your glove box LOCK/DOOR SEALS LIGHTS Reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a Should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. good time to renew worn wiper blades. Extra tip: Use malt vinegar to clean your car's wiper blades TYRES WINDSCREEN Keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. Use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Extra tip: Keep a full Jerry Can of fuel in your SCREEN WASH FUEL boot WINTER CHECKLIST Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won't need it but you will be very glad it's there if you do. Snow chains (if you live in a remote Bottled water Extra screen wash or rural area) Shovel Battery jump leads Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or Snacks – chocolate or snow Torch and batteries Blanket, rug or sleeping bag cereal bars Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice Ice scraper and de-icer Tow rope Reflective jacket(s) WHEN BAD WEATHER IS FORECAST DON'T FORGET... Warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes Flask of hot drink Waterproofs Sturdy boots allstar Source: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/winter-checklist.html fuel card services