We all hate getting out of our warm beds and venturing outside in the cold, dark, wet or frosty winter months. However, the cold and icy conditions are just as tough on our cars as they are on us.
On the 2nd December last year, the AA reported attending to an average of 1,150 breakdowns every hour!
Over the next few weeks we will be giving you some tips on how you can make sure that your car is in tip top condition to face the harsh winter months and hopefully reduce the likelihood of becoming one of these people who has to call out a breakdown service; the key is being proactive in your car care.
Always follow the manufacture recommended service schedule for a start. With the right to choose, car owners are able to use any garage they wish to service their vehicle without invalidating their warranty as long as they have stuck to the service schedule and genuine parts are fitted during servicing and repair visits (Dont forget to get your service book stamped too) as a fully serviced car is worth more when it is time to sell it than one which hasnt been serviced regularly!
Windscreen
Ice on your windscreen is an all too regular morning occurrence during the winter. It is vital that you do not attempt to drive your car until your vision is totally clear as the chance of accidents will significantly increase and you will likely be held accountable for any damage caused if your visibility is impaired by ice and fogging on the interior.
It is recommended that you leave your house about ten minutes earlier than normal to ensure that you can adequately de ice your windscreen and clear interior fogging - remember to put your own safety and the safety of other road users and pedestrians before punctuality. Make sure that you are stocked up with de-icer and have a scrapper kept with you at all times - if you dont have a scraper a cd box works just as well. Utilise your air conditioning or blowers to speed up the demisting and condensation removal inside the car whilst you are removing ice from the exterior.
Your windscreen wash should be topped up regularly, as this is essential in ensuring you can adequately clean your windscreen whilst driving - especially when the gritters are out in force and all sorts of stuff is being thrown up at your car. Check regularly that your wiper blades are in good condition - no splitting and never attempt to use your wiper blades to clear the ice - you will damage them and possibly the me during the winter months, particularly when gritters make an appearance. Also make sure that windscreen wipers are in good conditions but do not be tempted to use them to disperse ice from your windscreen as this could damage them. If the blades are torn, then this is a sign of damage which indicates that a replacement is needed.
