Winter Car Care
A winter checklist...are you ready?
I thought I would pass this on as it can be something we don't think about until it happens.
I for one, have been the kind who usually sorts out the ice scraper hidden in the boot of the car when the ice has settled and time is limited!!!!
Taken from the AA, where you obviously can find out more general hints and tips, we have their winter checklist....
"A winter checklist from the AA
There's more risk of delays too but not necessarily in the way you'd expect. If vehicles ahead lose control – a jack-knifed lorry for example – you won't be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains. You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared.
Here's what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.
Check your car
Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection.
Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure.
Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.
Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs.
Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight.
Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades.
Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.
Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
You and your passengers
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it's there if you do.
Year-round essentials
Fully-charged mobile phone and in-car charger
Sunglasses – to deal with glare from the sun or snow
Personal medication
Warning triangle
Spare bulbs
First aid kit
Road atlas – in case of diversions
Sat-nav or printed route for unfamiliar journeys
Breakdown membership card
Winter emergency kit
Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
Shovel
Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow
Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice
Reflective jacket(s)
Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch and batteries
Tow rope
Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
Battery jump leads
Bottled water
Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
Extra screen wash
When bad weather is forecast
Warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes
Waterproofs
Sturdy boots
Flask of hot drink"
So, get yourselves ready and be careful out there.x
