Keeping Safe On The Road This Winter

This time 12 months ago, I had just bought a new car. I’d saved up for the previous 2 years, and, with a little help from a car credit provider (I found with bad credit car finance was my only option) I had been able to buy myself a brand new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. As everyone will agree, the first few weeks and months with a new car is an exciting adventure; that ‘new car’ feeling is something all drivers are intoxicated by when they experience it, and yearn for once it’s gone. In a way, you can compare it to the same feeling you have in a new relationship. But the ‘honeymoon period’ never lasts, and as the days get longer and nights get darker, the problems can start to pile up.

Winter is traditionally a nightmare time for drivers – especially in the UK. We haven’t seemed to grasp the concept of protecting our cars from the freezing elements. Last year I experienced a few automotive-related problems in the harsh, wintry conditions, and so I’ve decided to write this article in order to offer you some helpful, cold weather, new-car advice.

Tyres

Many of the core problems encountered with your car during the winter period will involve your tyres. Now I know what you’re thinking, “I have only recently purchased my car, why should I be worrying about tyre wear?” The fact is all tyres are subject to degradation in winter weather. Cold air has a dramatic effect on tyres, there is potential that the rubber could form cracks or even shrink. The low temperatures also reduces the tyre pressure, if the pressure is too low or high it can cause hazardous driving conditions of snowy, icy, or slushy roads. It is imperative to ensure that you constantly check and maintain your tyre treads and pressure throughout the winter periods to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Battery

Unfortunately, the winter weather presents additional problems to the mechanics of your car. There is nothing worse than your car failing on you due to the battery dying; car batteries tend to work a lot harder on colder days, consequently increasing the potential chance of an unwanted failure. This is due to the extended use of electrical features such as heating. To ensure you lessen your chances of being stranded on the hard shoulder on a cold winter’s night, regularly check the condition of your battery, and when starting your car in the morning, turn off all non-essential electrics.

Windscreen

Waking up to find an icy windshield is going to be a common occurrence throughout the winter, and if your new car is replacing an old model then you probably understand the nuisance of de-icing your car every morning. If you’re a first time car owner then we cannot overstate how crucial the de-icing process is, yes it may be frustrating and time consuming – but for the safety of yourself and other road users, ensuring you have clear vision before you set off is pivotal. The same rule applies for all windows in your car, not just the windscreen. I advise that you get up 10 to 20 minutes earlier to make sure your car is thoroughly de-iced in the morning; and don’t make the common mistake of using your wipers to clear your windscreen of ice, as this could cause damage to the wipers themselves. However, we do recommend utilising your air conditioner or blowers to help speed up the de-icing process.

Emergency Supplies

Last year, several motorists found themselves stuck on the side of a road during heavy snow. While we don’t experience heavy snowfall on a regular basis, it has been a more common occurrence in the last couple of years. Therefore, we recommend that you think ahead and pack a small emergency supply kit in the boot. Include a few items such as blankets, water, and food to aid you if we once again experience a high amount of snowfall this winter.

I hope that these tips will help you avoid a wintry headache; early weather forecasts are anticipating a bitterly cold period for us in the next few months. Whatever the weather, I hope that you and your car will stay safe this winter.