AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Batteryielectrics 8 Lights, heaters and windscreen wipers put high demands

1st November 2007
Page 57
Page 58
Page 57, 1st November 2007 — Batteryielectrics 8 Lights, heaters and windscreen wipers put high demands
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

on a vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is driven mainly in dark, rush-hour trips, the battery will 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.

8 Avoid running vehicle electrics any longer than necessary —turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once windows are clear.

8. When starting the vehicle, ensure that nonessentials such as lights, 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°C.Without it, severe engine damage can occur.

• If the fan belt squeals continually as soon as the engine is started, it's a sign the water pump is frozen.

Vision 8 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, damage to the blades or wiper motor could result when you turn the ignition on. 8 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 the paintwork.

8 Clear snow from the roof as well as the windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen and obscure 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 tyre pressure to get more grip— it doesn't work but does reduce 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,

8 It's also worth carrying a mobile phone with

a fully charged battery, first aid kit, tow rope, blankets, warm coat, boots, jump leads, snow shovel, warning triangle, an old sack or rug (to put under the wheels if you do get stuck), and waterrepellent spray.

Driving in snow/ice

1 • Stopping distances are 10 times higher in snow and ice. ',Always apply brakes gently. Release

them and de-clutch if the vehicle skids.

• Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.

• When driving downhill, choose a higher gear to prevent skidding.

• 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 clearer ground.

Tags


comments powered by Disqus