If you experience a breakdown, please call us as soon as possible, so that we can provide assistance and ensure you can continue on your journey as soon as possible.

Regular inspections

  1. Ensure you carry out thorough inspections on a weekly or monthly basis. These checks should include:
  2. Fluid levels (engine oil, brakes, clutch, power steering and auto transmission fluids etc.)
  3. Windscreen washer
  4. Battery
  5. Ensure all lights are working (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
  6. Tyre check

Fluid levels

You should make sure your vehicle has the correct level of fluids. Essential fluids in your car include:

  • Engine oil
  • Coolant
  • Power steering fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Anti-freeze
  • Windshield washer fluid

It is important that these fluid levels are not neglected to ensure that your car is in good working order.

Windscreen washer

  1. It is vital to make sure that both windscreen washers are in good working order and topped up with plenty of screen wash. This ensures safe driving and adequate visibility in difficult weather conditions.
  2. Make sure your screen wash is suitable for cold conditions. Unsuitable screen wash could freeze and block the washer pump.
  3. You should check your windscreen wipers and replace if required.

Battery

If your car will not start, a flat battery is often the culprit.

  1. A battery that is older than 5 years will be more susceptible to lower performance in cold weather, so it is worth considering changing an older battery before it gives problems.
  2. Regularly monitor the condition of your battery to ensure it’s in good working order.

Tyre check

Make sure tyre checks are part of your regular inspections.

  1. Check the pressure of your tyres and look for damage, such as splits or bulges.
  2. You should consider replacing tyres at 3mm depth – the ability to displace surface water and grip on snow is immensely reduced below 3mm.
  3. You should consider changing to winter or all season tyres for a greater grip in cold and wet conditions.
  4. The 20p test is a good way of checking your tyre thread to ensure they are the legal depth of 1.6mm (across the central three-quarters of the tyre). This is in line with the legal requirement in the UK and Europe. Follow these simple steps:
  • Take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre
  • If the outer band on the coin is not visible, this means your tyres are above the legal limit
  • If the outer band on the coin is still visible, your car could be unsafe to drive and you should ensure your tyres are inspected by a professional

Winter travel kit

You should keep a ‘winter travel' kit in your car. Make sure you have all the necessary items to keep your car clear of ice and snow. We recommend taking:

  • Shovel
  • Wellington boots
  • Hazard warning signal or warning triangles
  • De-icing equipment
  • First aid kit
  • Car blanket
  • Torch/flashlight
  • Snacks & water
  • Spare tyre

Driving in snow

  1. You should keep the windscreen clear of dirt and snow. You could face a fine if your vision is obscured. Do not neglect your roof. The snow can fall onto your windscreen and it can create a hazard for other road users.
  2. When driving in snow, you should use gentle manoeuvres, reduce your speed and avoid harsh breaking. Remember that stopping distances are 10 times longer on ice and snow.
  3. If you get stuck in snow, move your vehicle backwards and forwards. Do not try to power out of the rut – it will make it worse.

General motoring

  1. Do not leave your vehicle stationary for an extended period. You should recharge your battery regularly if you do not make long journeys.
  2. You should avoid running electrical systems longer than necessary. They put high demand on the car battery and it might discharge faster.
  3. You should use air conditioning for demisting your windows.
  4. You should check the weather forecast and driving conditions. If conditions are very bad, do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
  5. You should allow extra time in winter to prepare your car. Ensure your car is fully cleared of snow and plan your journey in advance. Use the roads that are cleared and gritted.
  6. If the road is flooded, avoid the deepest water and do not attempt to cross if the water seems too deep. You should look for an alternative route or cross the water slowly in first gear.
  7. If you have an Electric Vehicle make sure it is fully charged, as more demand will be put on the battery with the use of heated windows, heaters, wipers, radio etc.
  8. You should make sure you have adequate fuel in case you are stuck in traffic for long periods.
  9. Make sure you have suitable clothes for winter, such as a hat, gloves and a warm coat in case of a breakdown.
  10. If possible, secure your car in a garage or park away from any object that may cause damage.
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