Prepare your car for winter
When temperatures plummet and ice lines the roads, Britain has a tendency to come grinding to a halt. Why? Simply because we tend to be unprepared – despite the increasing regularity with which snow and icy conditions descend up on us!
You can do your bit though, by properly preparing your vehicle (and its contents) for winter.
Here at Ice Grips, we've put together a check list of essentials to help you and your car handle winter more safely.
Check your tread
While you might just about get away with low treads on your tyres in summer, winter won't be so forgiving. It is recommended that in icy conditions your tyres have at least 3mm depth of tread.
Of course, if your budget allows, it can be wise to invest in proper winter tyres. Cold weather tyres provide better grip in icy conditions, but can in truth stay on your car all year long – so it's not an investment that expires with the ides of March.
Pack the boot
Even if you're planning a relatively short car journey, there are a few essentials you should always carry in the car with you.
A shovel will help you clear snow around your tyres should you have the misfortune to get stuck – and you may then find it useful to have some heavy duty sacks or Hessian bags on hand to provide some artificial grip.
You should also carry a blanket, food and water in case you're stuck in snow overnight, along with an ice-scraper and de-icing fluid which can prove handy in less severe conditions.
Take the pressure
In extreme weather, your vehicle's tyre pressures can fluctuate. Check them regularly, but resist the temptation to de-inflate tyres – contrary to popular opinion it doesn't provide extra grip and in fact serves to reduce your car's stability (source AA).
With your vehicle prepared, you're almost set to hit the roads. But before you head out, familiarise yourself with these tips and techniques for driving in winter.
