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This post has been contributed by the great people of Tax Rebate Services, the site that allows you to claim a mileage tax refund or a tax rebate on tools and expenses for free. See if you’re entitled to a tax windfall by using the tax calculators on site and treat yourself to something special, or a good winter service!
Summer is in full spring but it won’t be long until autumn arrives and with it, depending on where you live in the UK, comes frost and ice. To ensure that you are properly prepared for anything that driving in colder weather may throw at you consider this checklist.
Check Your Tyres
The recommended minimum tread for winter travel is 3mm. If yours are below this or nearing this point now is the time to do something about it. With the potential for cold weather bringing snow and ice onto the roads drivers need to have as much grip as possible.
Undergo Basic Maintenance
Grease hinges and locks with WD40, rub down seals with petroleum jelly to stop them sticking in the cold, clean or replace wiper blades and check that your oil, water and de-icer is topped up.
Pack the Car for Winter Emergencies
Whether you are travelling four hours to visit family or thirty minutes to get to work ensure that you have everything in the car you might need in case of a breakdown or being stuck in snow (etc).
- A blanket
- Nutritious snacks and drinks
- A flashlight and spare batteries
- A collapsible shovel could be handy if stuck in snow
- Activities and games for children
- Hi Vis jacket/s
- Red emergency triangle
- Change for a pay phone if no phone signal is available
- Sensible all-weather wear including boots
- An in-car phone charger
- Relevant numbers such as your local garage, your breakdown company details and anything other information likely to be needed.
- Time sensitive medicine should be taken along if travelling away from home, even if you expect to be home before it is needed.
- A tow rope
Fill It Up
If stuck in snow or broken down in cold weather you will likely keep the engine running in order to ensure the heating keeps going. Make sure you have more than enough fuel, not only for your normal trip, for extra miles caused by bad weather detours and for keeping you warm when needed.
Regardless of how well maintained your car is and how well packed your boot may be the very best thing you can do to ensure your safety in bad weather conditions is not drive unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel make sure someone knows where you are going and check local and national weather reports as well as travel news so that you may avoid delays and danger areas when winter driving.
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