Winter Check List

The blog this week is about what to carry in your car when driving this winter. The weather at the moment is very wet and cold and looks to be lasting for some time. Our tips are to help you be more prepared in the event of a breakdown or periods stuck in traffic jams due to accidents or bad weather. Everyone is trying to save money at the moment, interest rates are rising, fuel bills are rising, food costs are soaring etc so when it comes to owning a car, we need all the help we can get to keep costs down. Read on to find out more:

As the rain and the frost kick in and we truly move into winter, drivers are more likely to need to stop for emergencies. You are more likely to get caught in traffic due to bad weather or accidents or breakdown in Winter. While some of these situations cannot be avoided, there are a few extra items you can keep in your car to make sure you stay safe. In order to minimise the chance of a breakdown it is advisable to get your Volvo or Toyota serviced regularly and to ensure that your fluid levels are topped up and your tyre tread depth and tyre pressures are as they should be. We know it is tempting to miss or put off your regular servicing, but it is not advisable for a number of reasons. It is better to shop around to get the best price possible – if you are using a dealership then you will be sure to save money switching to an independent garage.

Winter Checklist

Warm Clothes/Coat/Blanket

During a breakdown, it is advised that you and your passengers exit the vehicle and stand away from it. Do not ever wait for assistance whilst sitting in your car. With the emergence of smart motorways this is definitely not safe. You will need warm clothes whilst waiting for assistance – it could be some time until they get to you.

Snacks & Water
If there is an accident ahead or a sudden deluge of snow or if you breakdown, you could be caught up for some time. Its handy to have some water and snacks to keep your energy levels up and hydrated whilst waiting. If you have children with you on your journey you should have some extra snacks to keep them satisfied. If you have diabetes, you should always carry a sugary drink just in case you need to get your blood sugars up quickly.

Jump Leads/Re-Chargeable Battery Starter
Flat batteries are more common in winter due the cold. You could be doing lots of shorter journeys because of the bad weather (not walking) and using heaters/wipers/lights etc which could be draining your battery. Carrying these in your car could be very handy. Your Volvo or Toyota is more likely to be sat for longer periods than usual without being driven during the holiday season.

Hi-vis jacket
Due to the extended dark hours over winter it is a good idea to carry a hi vis jacket in your car – it will help you to be seen – especially on roads that are unlit.

Warning Triangle
Reflective warning triangles will make you more visible to other road users if you break down as well as warn other drivers that there is a broken-down vehicle ahead. It is suggested that you put them about 45m behind your Volvo or Toyota. You should not put them on the hard shoulder of a motorway though – use your hazard lights only. If travelling abroad you should read up on what you definitely need to carry in your vehicle – all year round.

Shovel/De-icer/Scraper
If there’s deep snow or your stuck in mud, you may need to dig your wheels out, so a shovel could come in handy. You can buy compact ones -don’t worry you don’t need to carry a full sized one in your boot. If you are using de-icer be mindful as this can be poisonous to pets. Happy Safe Motoring Folks!

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire.