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We at EFP Gritting believe that the UK is enormously backward in its approach to winter motoring. Winter 08/09 in particular has illustrated exactly how vulnerable British motorists are to the snow and ice. There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to winter driving, hopefully the following information will assist you in being better informed and prepared for the infrequent but often crippling bouts of severe weather we experience.
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Breakdown Emergency Kit – It is a good idea to keep certain items in your car (in addition to the usual ones) in-case of break down in winter conditions :-
- Warning triangle
- Torch
- Mobile phone charger
- Blankets
- Shovel/Spade
- A sack or old rug (to put under tyres in-case you get stuck!)
- De-icing equipment
- Tow Rope
- High Vis Jacket or similar
- Spare fuel
- Chocolate bars are always worth carrying in the vehicle for all eventualities.
- Wellington Boots or similar
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Fuel Tank – Ensure that you keep your tank topped up. You may be forced to take an alternative route in bad weather due to accidents etc. or you may even end up stuck in traffic jams for many hours. Running out of fuel because the tank was low could result in you being unable to keep warm when you most need it
Clear windows – Keep an ice-scraper handy. Make sure you clear your windows and that your mirrors are free of ice/snow and de-steam on the inside too, before setting off.
· Don’t forget to check for snow on the roof of the vehicle before you drive off. It can slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view!
DON'T SIMPLY CLEAR A PORTHOLE TO LOOK THROUGH !
Servicing – Have your vehicle fully serviced before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested.
Lights and wipers - Check that they are all functional. Make sure that you have plenty of screen wash and that it is the correct concentration to prevent the solution from freezing. Salt/grit applied to the road increases the amount of dirty build up on your windscreen, therefore, you will use your wipers/washers more than usual.
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