Although we’re well into February and spring bulbs are starting to emerge from the frozen and/or waterlogged ground across the country, we are still very much aware that winter continues and driving in snow is still a very real possibility. The Met Office has warned that this “prolonged period of cold weather” could continue throughout this month and into March. You probably prepared your vehicle for snowy conditions at the beginning of the winter season, but is your car still prepared for driving in snow in this transitional period?
Car checklist for driving in snow
You may have changed your tyres to all-season or even winter tyres at the start of the season. Check that these are still correctly inflated and are not showing wear or any damage.
Keep your windscreen cleaner topped up.
Check coolant levels.
Take a look at your windscreen wiper blades to see that they are still in good condition and work efficiently to clear your windscreen.
Use WD-40 on your locks.
Is your battery still reliable? If not, replace it.
Do you still have your emergency kit in the car? This should contain the following items:
- First aid kit
- Flares
- Blankets
- Bin bags that could double as a tarpaulin or rain poncho
- High energy food such as muesli bars, flapjacks, or dried fruit.
- Insulated flasks of water and/or hot drinks
- A torch (either handheld or a headlamp version)
- Matches or a lighter
- Candles
- Coats, wool socks, gloves, scarves and other winter clothing
- Umbrella
Be weather aware
Find out what the road conditions will be before starting your journey. If the road conditions are not safe, follow advice given by appropriate agencies. Keep up to date by tuning in to local radio stations too.
Fuel up
Running out of fuel is something that you really don’t want to have happen. Always start off a journey where you anticipate driving in snow with a full tank of fuel. Try to top up the tank so you have plenty of fuel along the way.
Brush up on your skills for driving in snow
Driving in snow is obviously a very different experience from driving in warm, dry weather so it is really important to know how to drive in icy or snowy conditions. Safety is key, so take it slow, steer gently and follow advice from RoSPA. You can download their Winter Driving Tips here.
Stick to major routes
This may not always be an option, but try to drive on main roads where possible, which tend to be cleared of snow more frequently than smaller local roads. If you do experience an emergency, it may be easier to get help more quickly if you are on a main road.
Keep your cargo safe
Alongside the safety issues associated with driving in snow, we often find that our car interior can suffer the consequences of adverse weather conditions. Muddy feet (and paws) can drive us to distraction! So, head over to our store and take a look at our vehicle-specific mats and boot liners and give yourself one less thing to worry about this winter.
Driving in snow takes some extra preparation, but it is worth taking that time and effort so that you can get to your destination safely and so that everyone can enjoy the journey.
