Like unpredictable climate change, breaking down in winter is an unsettling experience.
But even Britain’s best drivers can find their skills put to the test by wild winter driving conditions.
Whether we’re facing ice, snow and fog or just wet and wild conditions... the real test comes when our car gives up the ghost and breaks down at a time that causes us maximum discomfort.
Fact is, you can easily take action yourself which will ensure that at least you’re prepared for any unwelcome emergency.
Breakdown service Autonational Rescue has issued some key advice to help motorists cope this winter, as the great British weather turns nasty:
Autonational Rescue’s Top Ten Tips for safer winter journeys
• First of all, just ask yourself – do you really need to travel? If so, before you set out, check the media to get weather reports and details of road conditions.
• Clear your windows and mirrors of ice and snow before you set out and carry a screen scraper and some de-icer.
• On longer journeys in snowy conditions, make sure you’re fully equipped with warm clothes, food, boots, a spade and a torch. Remember to take your mobile phone too, but don’t use it on the move!
• Look after your car’s battery. Autonational Rescue says most winter breakdowns are caused by these failures.
• Always drive to the prevailing road conditions. In poor weather, use dipped headlights, drive defensively to avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking and keep your speed down.
• Watch out for ice! Don’t think the roads are free from frost and ice, even if they look clear.
• Should find yourself stranded on a motorway, use a roadside emergency telephone to call for help. But if you have to use a mobile phone, check your location from the numbers on the marker posts at the side of the hard shoulder.
• If must abandon your vehicle anywhere, leave it so that snow ploughs can pass. Also leave a note detailing where you can be contacted when the road’s been cleared.
• Make sure you have enough fuel for the journey!
• And last but not least beware of pedestrians and cyclists, they’re probably not be as visible as they think they are!
Says Autonational Rescue’s marketing manager Ronan Hart: “Don’t forget your mobile phone if you have one, possibly the most useful anti breakdown accessory a motorists can have, and carry an emergency HELP sign that you can place in the back window if you get really stuck!
During heavy snowfall, remember to clear off the entire car, not just a little hole in the windscreen.
In bad weather conditions, the last thing you need is poor visibility, because you have to keep your eyes peeled for every other driver and pedestrian venturing out.”
And to avoid a breakdown in the first place:
• Think about having a mini winter service from a local garage, which you often see advertised in your local paper.
• Make sure you have the tools, and know how to change punctured tyres. While breakdown services will help you in the event of this kind of breakdown, it’s much better to be prepared.
• Check your car’s radiator for any visible signs of damage or leaks, which can and does lead to overheating and breakdown.
For more driving tips, please visit:
Autonational Rescue
More resources:
Press Releases -
Breakdown Services
