Motoring tips for severe winter weather

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By Luke Jovetic
Know Your Money Editor

Driving can prove to be a challenge at this time of year particularly with the recent weather conditions leaving much of the country caught cold. However, there are steps that UK motorists can take to prevent them from being caught unprepared and stuck at the roadside.

The RAC has stated that breakdowns are more common at this time of year and reported that it assisted 80,000 people with its breakdown cover in the eight days leading up to Christmas.

David Hawes, RAC regional manager, comments: "The combination of a long break and very cold or damp weather can be a recipe for disaster. A car's electrical system has to work a lot harder at this time of year as drivers are more likely to use their lights, heated windows as well as the heater fan.

"The starter motor also has to work harder to start the engine on these cold mornings making a battery failure more likely."

Keep your motor running

The RAC has suggested a number of tips to ensure that motorists get out on the highway as planned. With more than seven million members, the company is one of the UK's most popular motoring organisations and provides its members with roadside assistance, insurance, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services and up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information.

It may prove to be a wise idea to start your vehicle's engine even on days when you have no plans to use it. This let's you know if everything is working properly and should help to prevent any false starts when you get back behind the wheel.

Keeping a car in a garage - if you have one - could also keep the vehicle running as it should be.

Be prepared

Before setting off on a cold winter morning, it may be sensible to take a moment to consider if you are fully prepared for any problems that could occur on your journey.

Keeping a warm blanket in the back of your car, wearing waterproof clothing, comfortable footwear and fully charging your mobile phone the evening before could make the unfortunate experience of breaking down more comfortable.

Motorists should also check their water and oil levels and top them up if necessary.

Particular attention should be paid to the anti-freeze content of the cooling system and drivers may wish to take a look at their handbook or consult an expert as to the best anti-freeze to use.

Battery connections should be tight and free from corrosion so a quick check of your battery and charging system now could prevent a breakdown later.

Take your time

With the conditions on some roads proving to be particularly hazardous, drivers may want to give themselves plenty of time before the journey and during it. Driving slower on icy roads could prevent an accident, as could ensuring that your car is ready for the journey before taking to the road.

Petrol stations could be busier at this time of year so filling up the night before your journey should allow you to take your time the following day.

If windscreens are icy then the RAC suggests that pouring hot water from a kettle on to it should be avoided as it could causes cracks. A windscreen scraper and a good de-icer can make sure that vision is as clear as possible.

Locks can also freeze over in icy conditions so motorists may want to use lock de-icer to keep things running smoothly.

Consider getting breakdown cover

Despite ensuring that your car is as well prepared as possible, the unexpected can still happen. Therefore, drivers may want to ensure that the effects of the unexpected are minimal.

The RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its members and was the top named service organisation in the July 2009 UK Customer Satisfaction Index from the Institute of Customer Service.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.