Winter driving

If you have to drive, here's the advice

The Facts: 

• The perfomance of standard tyres deteriorates when temperature drops below 7°C
• Frost and wet patches can linger in some areas after they have disappeared elsewhere - under trees, crossing bridges, areas exposed to winds, areas shadowed by buildings
• ABS systems will be less effective on ice and snow, increasing stopping distances
• Black ice is hard to spot and is caused by rain falling on an already frozen surface

The Advice: 

• Re-fuel the night before the journey; check radio/TV for traffic and weather updates
• Keep breakdown recovery contact numbers in the vehicle
• Do a POWDER check: Petrol or diesel for the journey; sufficient oil and other fluids? Water for washers, radiator, drinking; Damage to lights, windows, mirrors, number plates; Electrics - bulbs, wipers, horn and warning lights, Rubber; tyres, wiper blades.
• Remove ice and snow from all windows before moving off; keep windows clear thereafter
• Set dashboard air outlets towards door windows to improve wing mirror visibilty
• Use dipped headlights so that others can see you
• Only travel at a speed which you will be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear
• Avoid harsh braking and acceleration or aggressive steering, as these actions can lead to skids; reduce your speed smoothly and use brakes gently]
• Drive in the highest gear as soon as possible but ensure it offers engine braking when the accelerator is released, crucial when descending slopes or hills

• When in snow and ice, use engine braking through the gears; just touch the brake pedal lightly to show brake lights to others behind

• A lack of road noise could indicate the presence of ice. Increase your following distance by ten times when driving on ice

• On a journey, take: high visibility jacket, torch, mobile phone & charger, warning triangle, spare bulbs, serviceable spare tyre and first aid kit

• Other essential equipment: de-icer & screen wash, shovel, non-slip carpet to place under driving wheels if stuck, warm clothes, drinking water, high grip boots/shoes, snow chains/tyre socks, jump leads and tow rope

Sources Michelin Tyres 2013 AA DriveTech 2010

Call: 01256 495732

Email: tellmemore@AAdrivetech.com

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