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General advice
Page 55
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Battery/electrics • Lights, heaters and windscreen wipers put high demands on a vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is driven mainly in dark rush-hour trips, the battery is bound to give out eventually.
• Batteries rarely last longer than five years, so replacing them near the end of their life can save a lot of time and inconvenience.
• Avoid running vehicle electrics any longer than necessary turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once the windows are clear.
• When starting up the vehicle ensure that non-essentials like lights, the rear screen heater and wipers are turned off.
Antifreeze • A 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system is needed in winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34. Without it, severe engine damage can be caused as your coolant freezes.
• If the fan belt squeals continuously as soon as the engine is started, its a sign the water pump is frozen.
Vision • Make sure wipers are switched off in the park position when leaving the vehicle if there's a risk of freezing. If you don't and the blades freeze to the screen, then damage to the blades or wiper motor could result when you turn the ignition on.
• Windscreen-washer fluid should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Don't use ordinary engine antifreeze as it will damage paintwork.
• Clear snow from the roof as well as the windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen, obscuring your view. Tyres • Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter motoring.
• Don't reduce your tyre pressure to get more grip. It doesn't work but it does reduce vehicle stability.
Preparing to travel • Don't drive off like a tank commander with a tiny hole cleared in your windscreen.
• Clear all windows of snow and ice using a scraper and de-icer.
Driving in snow/ice go Stopping distances are up to 10 times longer in snow and ice.
• Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.
• When driving downhill, choose a higher gear to prevent skidding.
• Always apply brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the vehicle skids.
• If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels, Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach solid ground.