Driving Preparation for Winter

Winter is the most dangerous time of the year for drivers. As the days get shorter and the temperature decreases drivers are faced with many obstacles, so here are a few tips on how best to prepare your car for driving safely in the winter months.

Tip 1: Slow Down and Keep Your Distance

The number one tip is SLOW DOWN AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.

Remember when you’re driving on wet and icy roads you must steer and brake  smoothly and travel, slower than usual. Yes, this may mean slow going, but a little patience will keep you a lot safer on the road. 

Tip 2: Get Your Car Serviced

Have a mechanic check your hoses, belts and anti-freeze

A weakened hose or belt can break and leave you stranded, or a weak solution of anti-freeze can ice up and damage your cooling system. Fill up a washer bottle and add winter screen wash.

Tip 3: Check your heater and defroster

If your heater isn't working, you'll probably know. But what about front and rear defrosters? Before you're faced with a frosty windscreen, turn your front and rear defrosters on and off to make sure they're both working.

Tip 4: Check your car Battery

As the temperature drops so does your battery's starting power. You can maximise starting power by turning off all accessories including the radio, heater and lights before starting your car.

Tip 5: Inspect your tyres

Your tyres need to have enough tread with ''grip'' to push you through the snow. But if you have any concerns have a tyre expert check them out.

Tip 6: Fill up Petrol Tank

Final tip is to fill up your petrol tank. One of the best driving tips for winter is to keep your tank as full as possible at all times as this will help prevent freezing in your petrol lines.

So for even more helpful tips from Allianz on how to avoid weather related damage and accidents just log onto www.allianzweathersafe.com