Essential Journeys: You need to plan further ahead. Weather forecast can be predicted many months in advance. Make sure you plan for changes in the weather. Whilst you maybe leaving suitable conditions behind they maybe more severe conditions at your destination. Consider the alternatives. Public Transports. Walking. Above all only travel if its really essential.
Tyres: Your tyres are the only thing making contact with the road. Make sure they are in good conditions. Checked the tread. 1.6mm of tread around the central 3 quarters and entire circumference. Check for wall damage, or cuts/tears. Check your tyre pressure. Don't forget to check the spare tyre. I'm not suggesting you should leave your tyres to the legal limit, in fact I very rarely keep tyres beyond 2mm and would prefer to change to new tyres before winter if I felt the 2mm rule would be reached over winter. Screen Wash & De-Icer:
Towards the end of September/October I begin to stock up on winter products. There are some good screen washes on the market now and work to below -10 degrees. I usually find a good de-icer lasts the whole of winter. I make sure my ice scrapper is available and not hidden in the boot of the car.
If you need to clear Ice/Snow from your wind screens then make sure you clear the snow from the roof and also our lights and at minimum rear number plate.
Raining:
Check the function of wipers, the blade and make sure there are no streaks.
Lights: Your lights must do the good they are intended all year-round. But during poor weather conditions and limited visibility make sure you use your dipped headlights. A simple rule you can use is.
If you have your Wipers on then put your Lights on.
Stopping Distances:
Stopping distances in the snow and wet are greatly increased. Upto 10 times further in ice/snow and double the distance in the wet. Reduce speed and allow more time to react to the changing conditions.
Driving in the Snow/Ice:
Use the highest gear you can to move away
Fix Winter Tyres (follow this advice)
Increase your stopping distance
Brake gently and earlier
Take speed off in a straight line before cornering
Treat all controls delicately
Use low gears downhill
Use dipped headlights
Use Fog lights as required
Have sunglasses available
Don't overload the engine with electrics
Check Yourself:
Make sure you plan time for weekly and daily checks. Give yourself time to clear windows ice/snow from the windscreens. Allow additional time for your journeys. Program Sat Nav in advance. If you are on medication make sure it does not affect your driving. Try not to drive if you feel unwell. Make friends and family aware of your plans when travelling.
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