As the seasons change, it is important to be aware of the things that you should do to take care of your car to ensure that you can continue to be safe on the road. As well as doing the things that you need to do by law, such as ensuring that you get a professional like this MOT Gloucester based company 123carandcommercial.com/gloucester-mots to do the MOT, there are lots of things that you should be aware of at this time of the year to make driving safer, both now and as you go through the winter months.
Check your Tyres – This is of course always important, but in the winter the roads can be much more dangerous with ice as well as rain, so you need to make sure that your tyres are able to deal with this. Check the tread and the pressure of your tyres and if you are in any doubt or think that they have a problem then you should get new tyres.
Keep your Windscreen Clear – Because driving conditions at this time of the year can be more challenging, you should keep your windscreen clear. With low sun affecting vision as well as the likelihood of rain and snow, keeping your windscreen clean is particularly important in autumn and winter.
Make Sure your Lights Work – Because there are more hours of darkness you will use your lights more in the winter, and they need to all be working. Regularly ensuring all of your lights work is essential.
Protecting a car that lives outdoors
Cars left outside face the worst of winter, from freezing temperatures to storms, and damage can range from obvious dents to hidden rust. A garage or covered shelter offers the best protection, but if you do not have one, there are still steps you can take.
A windscreen cover saves time scraping ice and snow in the morning and can help protect the glass from the weight of snow and ice. Think carefully about where you park, avoiding trees and low structures that could drop branches or debris in a storm. Tyres take a battering from wet, icy and gritted roads, so in areas with heavy snowfall consider winter tyres or snow chains.
Cold weather also drains weak batteries quickly, so a portable power unit is a useful backup. Finally, book a winter check at a local garage. An oil change, a tyre change or rotation and a top up of antifreeze will help keep you driving safely.
Preparing to drive in snow and ice
Safe winter driving starts before you leave the house. Many people think only about getting to work on time, but neglecting even basic maintenance can leave you exposed to a range of problems once the weather turns. A car that has been properly looked after is far less likely to let you down on a cold morning.
If you live somewhere that sees regular snow, always clear your car of snow and ice before setting off. Driving with even a partly obscured windscreen or mirrors is dangerous, and a few extra minutes in the morning are well spent.
Tyres deserve particular attention. Check that they are properly inflated, especially before long journeys or a drive in bad weather. Being caught out in deep snow, with icy bends and lane changes to deal with, is the last thing anyone wants. The right tyres in good condition give you the grip and control to handle the car safely whatever the road throws at you.