The cold, dark winter months make driving conditions more hazardous, and increase your chances of a breakdown. Avoid one completely with these top tips.
Top Tips to Avoid a Breakdown
Check Your Fuel Level
Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for your journey. It may sound obvious but you would be surprised how many people run out of fuel and with temperatures as low as expected you really don’t want to get stranded.
Top up Your Oil
RAC found that 1 in 3 vehicles they attend are dangerously low on oil. This can cause a breakdown or lead to catastrophic engine damage at worst.
Check Your Tyres
Check your tyres for general wear and tear racks, cracks, splits or bulges, and most importantly, tread depth. Also, ensure that you have the correct pressure in your tyres – check your owner’s handbook for the correct inflation levels.
Check Your Coolant Level
Check your car’s coolant level. The last thing you need is a frozen engine or for your car to overheat. Check your coolant levels when the engine is cold and look in your handbook for the correct coolant and mix to use should you need to top it up.
Check Your Lights
Check your lights – they are essential for you to see and be seen, especially in the winter months.
How to Prepare ‘Just in Case’
A breakdown is not only incredibly annoying, can be extremely dangerous in cold, dark winter conditions. Here’s what we recommend you always pack, just in case!
Ice Scraper & De-Icer
A breakdown is not only incredibly annoying, can be extremely dangerous in cold, dark winter conditions. Here’s what we recommend you always pack, just in case!
Torch & Spare Batteries
Stuck by the side of a country road in the dark of a winter’s evening with a flat battery? A large torch with spare batteries should definitely be among your breakdown kit essentials.
High-Visibility Jacket
If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark it’s critical that you can be seen by other motorists.
Boots with Good Grip
In heavy snow and slippery conditions, you should wear suitable boots with a strong grip if you plan on exiting your broken down vehicle.
Two Reflective Warning Signs
You need two; one to position in front of the car and the second at the rear. This is used to warn other motorists that your vehicle has broken down to help to avoid collisions.
Repairs From a Mechanic You can Trust
Stay safe this winter and follow our advice to help you prevent a breakdown. To book your car in with reliable mechanics you can trust, call us today on 01634 730 684.
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