Ensure your car's ready for this winter
Just under 23,000 cars breakdown every single month here in the UK. A breakdown at any time isn't a great experience, but doing so in winter is definitely worse! It can also be significantly more dangerous, so if you have any big family trips or rely on your car every day, getting a Winter Health Check is essential for trouble-free motoring over the winter months.
SAVE: Combine a Winter Health Check with a service or MOT at our Orpington service centre.
Our tips for driving this coming winter
Driving on Winter Roads
Snowy conditions can make driving a real challenge for motorists and can even lead to an accident.
With this in mind it is crucial to prepare yourself adequately before embarking on a journey in the snow.
The following tips can help make the journey safer.
Before you set off, plan your journey carefully. Consider areas that are going to be exposed to the elements, and perhaps prone to flooding.
Leave more time
Allow for more time than you normally would before you leave to clear car windows, mirrors, lights and the top of your roof of snow before setting off.
You will also need to de-ice your windscreen and you will need to take time to clear the inside of your windscreen too as it is illegal to drive without full visibility through all of your windows.
It’s also a good idea to carry a lock de-icer with you to clear your lock. If your locks do get frozen, try warming the key or spraying de-icer or an oil-based lubricant into the lock.
The following checks will also be time consuming so it is worth factoring them in too before you set off.
Check your wipers
Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on as this could blow the wiper control fuse if they are frozen to the screen. Your wipers need to be in good working order so you’re able to clean your windscreen effectively.
Check your tyres
Poor tyres will not grip when driving on snow and ice. A tread depth gauge costs just a few pounds, allowing you to check for a safe tread depth in seconds - at least 3mm is recommended for winter. For big trips, make sure your tyre pressures are at the manufacturer recommended levels. Check the inside of the driver's door, or owner's manual for the figures.Check out our guide on different types of tyres.
Check your screen wash
Use a good quality screen wash that protects down to at least -35 to prevent the water from freezing.
The most important thing to take with you before driving in snow is a charged mobile phone.
How to drive in snow
Wear comfortable and dry footwear
Accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible.
Move off in second gear as this will help reduce wheel slip - some cars have a winter mode, which does the same job – so to check whether your car has this function in the vehicle’s handbook
Get your speed right and maintain safe stopping distances between you and the car in front, leaving as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap
Prepare for an uphill by leaving plenty of room in front so you can maintain a constant speed without the need for changing gear
Use a low gear for going downhill and try to avoid braking unless necessary, make sure you leave plenty of space between you and the car in front
When approaching a bend, brake before you actually start to turn the steering wheel. If your car does lose grip try not to panic; the key thing is to take your foot off the accelerator and make sure that your wheels are pointing in the direction you want to go in
If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it - for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes
When driving in heavy snow, make sure that you use your dipped headlights. Relying on daytime running lights is not enough, because they don’t always put lights on the back of your car.
If visibility drops below a 100m, put your fog lights on. But remember to turn them off when the visibility improves.
If the road has not been gritted, be wary of driving in the wheel tracks or other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be more icy than fresh snow
Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated smoothly and slowly
Sunglasses can help to reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow
Keep your speed down and allow more time to stop and steer
Finally, it’s important to think about the environment that you’re driving in, especially microclimates that might appear on the road. These are areas that perhaps the sun hasn’t got to, which could stay icy when the rest of the road has thawed. Bridges are a good example. They’re normally the first to freeze and the last to thaw. So be aware of that when you’re driving in open spaces.
Stay Safe This Winter with a PCK Winter Health Check
Ensure your car is fully prepared for the demands of winter with a comprehensive Winter Health Check at PCK Care. By taking these precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenging conditions winter often brings, giving you peace of mind whether you’re commuting daily or heading out on a long trip. At Prestige Cars Kent, our expert team is ready to check your tyres, brakes, fluids, and more to help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.
Don't let winter catch you off guard. Contact PCK Care today to book your Winter Health Check, and drive confidently knowing your vehicle is ready for the season.