As winter closes in this is the perfect time to prepare for the cold and the dark.  Getting your car prepared for the winter could be a life safer now the chill sets in. 

Things to check:

  • Tyres – critical for traction, tyres should be in good order.  Check pressures, tread depth (ideally more than 3 millimetres, but the legal minimum is 1.6), no cuts or bulges in the tyre and is the spare OK?  For further on how to check your tyres
  • Electrics – See and be seen! Each and every bulb on the car is to help you and other drivers, check them now and on a regular basis to ensure you stay safe.  A three minute check which could definitely be a life safer.  Check them in the light of day, rather than when you run out on a dark, cold night. 
  • Fluids and Oil – One of the most annoying thing in the winter is having to scrape the windows, and keep them clean, which is a legal requirement.  Filling the washer fluid with a good quality washer fluid now, will ensure this does not freeze when needed.  Try and get a washer fluid which is rated down to -22′c or better!  Use the opportunity to check oil, brake fluid and coolant levels.  Check them in the light of day, rather than when you run out on a dark, cold night. 
  • Fuel – ensuring the level of fuel leaves room for error.  Have you got enough if you were stranded for a night, or diverted the long way around?  Ensure you don’t mis-fuel, again potentially leaving you stranded on a chilly night.  Mis-fueling is more common than you may think. 

Been prepared:

  • Sober, alert and awake.  Celebrations in the winter months can encourage driving under the influence of drink or drugs.  Ensure you don’t put yourself and others at risk unnecessary.  It takes at least one hour per unit of alcohol plus half an hour from the last drink. 
  • Packing for the worst case scenario, ensure you have a torch with spare batteries, warm clothing, spare food and drink and something to shovel your way out of trouble if necessary. 
  • Prepare your journey and communicate to your friends and family where you are going and when your are likely to arrive.  Have spare maps to hand, don’t forgot the Sat Nav can stop working, not receive a signal or run out of battery.