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Be prepared: Is your vehicle ready for winter?
| Author: Mik Barton | Published: 15th November 2013 08:13 |
Breaking down is never a pleasant experience - especially on the motorway. It's even worse if you have to wait for recovery, outside your vehicle, in cold and wintry weather. You'll also want your vehicle to be in the best condition to handle difficult driving conditions in severe weather.
So it's a good idea to get your vehicle serviced before the winter to reduce the chance of problems.
Then use this following handy reminder for pre-journey checks. It's called the POWDERY checklist:
- PETROL (or diesel). Have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?
- OIL - check levels once a month
- WATER - check radiator and screenwash once a month
- DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear and tear or damage
- ELECTRICS - check lights, indicators and controls are working properly
- RUBBER - are your tyres well inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage?
- YOURSELF - are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive?
If you are planning to travel with pets, ensure that animals are safe and secure, and will not be a distraction to people travelling in your vehicle - seek appropriate advice before you travel.
Carry an emergency kit
Gather together the following items and pack in your vehicle at the start of the winter season, you never know when you might need them!
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
- Warm clothes and blankets - for you and all passengers
- Boots
- First aid kit
- Jump leads
- A shovel
- Road atlas
- Sunglasses (the low winter sun and glare off snow can be dazzling)
See also:
Be Informed - Check the Latest Traffic and Weather
Choosing Your Route in Severe Weather
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