Your Guide to Driving in Winter

The Complete Guide- To driving this WINTER It's getting to that time of year again. Winter is coming and it's not something you can easily drive away from... THE EXPERTS Coping with the cold and keeping safe Traditionally, the UK winter offers heavy rainfall and sub-zero temperatures. The London Road Safety Council want all road 44 users to prepare their vehicle for winter, including the fitting of anti lock brakes and winter tyres as well as ensuring that anti-freeze fluid is at the correct strength The cold snaps and torrential downpours can cause motoring mayhem to a huge number of drivers every winter. 77 - London Road Safety Council THE STATS Winter weather can mean difficult driving. See the stats below to find out just how much more dangerous the roads can be in the winter months. Collisions: month-on-month 15000 Of winter car accidents 10000 48% 5000 are a result of skidding Months JAN IFEB MAR APR MAY JUN I JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC National wide, roads are most dangerous in the winter months, with over 26,000 collisions in October and November combined. There are many reasons for this, including less daylight hours and drivers not being prepared for weather. THE REASONS Rainfall is also a big problem for British road users. Hydroplaning - where a layer of water builds between the wheels and ground, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Winter tyres can help reduce that risk and keep you safe, although not many people plan to fit them. See the stats below. Winter tyres: Will you fit them? Total rainfall 350 mm Average WINTER 2013 seaonal rainfall 244 mm SPRING-AUTUMN 2013 I No (87%) yes (13%) 48% of all road accidents are a result of skidding, which shows the importance of using the right tyres. With only 12.8% of people likely to change their tyres this winter, are road users at risk? THE WARNING SIGNS Lights on your dashboard giving you a worry? Find out what the problem is now before you risk a breakdown! Oil Pressure warning light: Stop immediately, Switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. (O) Brake system warning light: Don't continue your journey. Refer to your handbook to find out the correct brake fluid level and add accordingly. Battery charge warning light: This could be for a number of reasons such as a slack battery, a loose alternator drive belt or an alternator failure or break. Engine warning light: Flashing: reduce your speed, avoid heavy acceleration and have it checked immediately. constant: malfunction with engine management system. Have checked as soon as possible. ABS warning light: Malfunction with the brakes. This should be safe to drive on, but some cars are not. Check your manual to find out. ABS Diesel particulate filter partially blocked: S This can be cleared by driving around 40mph for 10 minutes or so. If what you're looking for isn't listed, your car manual should detail all warning lights. Sources: http://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/dashboard-warning-lights.html http://www.londonroadsafetycouncil.org.uk/ Alternative Route http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2013/winter/regional-values http://www.kia.co.uk/-/media/general%20site%20images/owners/aftersales/gener ic/kia%20winter%20tyres.ashx Number of collisions