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Winter Motoring Guide - Vehicle Virus
The winter is here it gets dark early, the hours are short, and very cold, just how we humans like to wear warm jackets, jumpers, gloves, eat food and drink hot drinks just to stay nice and warm so we do not get ill or flu, the same goes with our vehicles we need to get them checked and ready for the winter, now if your planning a journey far, below we have five sections you should read carefully.
CHECK or CHANGE
EQUIPTMENT
DRIVING
EMERGENCIES
DROWSY DRIVING
1. CHECK or CHANGE by checking the following items on your vehicle, if they are not working or something your not sure about you should take your vehicle to your local or preferred garage.
» Anti-freeze, Ensure you use glycol-based antifreeze, and that it has 50/50 mix with water, stops engine from seizing in very cold weather, this protects your engine down to -35 C.
» Lights check all the lights are working properly, Flashing hazard lights, all head lights, fog lights, also carry spare lights.
» Battery, life expectancy off battery is five years (get a garage to check the life of the battery, also switch off the heaters and heated rear windscreen when you do not need them.)
» Wipers, and windshield washer fluid.
» Ignition system,
» Thermostat, what this does, when water is hot in the engine thermostat opens lets cool water from radiator into the engine the closes while the hot water comes out and into the radiator to be cooled by the fan and then go back in the engine when the thermostat opens again.
» Exhaust system,
» Heaters are they blowing hot air, rear windscreen heaters do they clear the ice mist from your rear windscreen.
» Brakes, and brake fluid level (note if your brake fluid is low, get your brakes checked and changed if necessary by a garage, do not try topping it up).
» Defroster, get ice defroster from your local auto part shop or you may be able to pick them up from a petrol station.
» Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil)
» Tyres. Ensure they have plenty of tread and are correctly inflated. Grip on wet roads is much reduced when tread depth is reduced to less than 3mm. Ensure you know how to change a wheel. If you are in a highly rural area, you may need snow chains, though these should be removed when driving on snow-cleared tarmac.
2. EQUIPTMENT – Think about your trip. Consider taking the following items with you in your vehicle:
» Windscreen scraper,
» Mobile phone, (with spare battery and charger)
» Carry empty fuel container, you cannot carry extra fuel in your vehicle, but have your vehicle topped before your journey begins and every time you pass a petrol station when needle gauge goes below half mark.
» Food and water
» Torch light
» First-aid kit
» Blanket,
» Additional clothes, (including gloves)
» Tow rope,
» Medication (if you take any)
3. DRIVING - think about how you are driving:
If your journey isn't necessary, don't go, Check the weather reports before leaving severe weather driving requires being smooth and gentle when turning, braking and accelerating Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front, especially in wet or icy conditions
Allow extra time for your journey If travelling a long distance or through a remote area, tell a relative or a friend. Give them your planned route if you've got one.
Vision. Ensure the windscreen is clean and wipers are in good condition. Your windscreen washer should have an anti-freeze additive (but not engine antifreeze this could damage the windscreen). Remember to use your headlights when vision is reduced, but only use front and rear fog lights when visibility is reduced as they can dazzle other road users. Avoid sudden acceleration; fog tends to be patchy and you could suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Driving in snow:
It takes 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road, on a high gear will help to avoid wheel spin allow extra time for braking, avoid harsh braking or accelerating, do not brake suddenly if you start to skid, ease off the accelerator first avoid harsh braking or accelerating, invest in snow tyres and chains if you're planning on a ski trip or a high altitude driving holiday. Some EU countries have made the use of winter tyres a legal requirement for certain periods (often December to February) and many offer specific winter recommendations. Check these before you travel.
Driving in the rain:
Stopping distances are at least double that of a normal dry road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually, if you are aquaplaning spray from your vehicle and other vehicles can reduce visibility. Slow down and keep your distance.
Driving in floods:
Don't attempt to cross if the water seems too deep. If you have to cross a flooded area, drive slowly in first gear to avoid stalling and keep the engine revs high by just engaging the clutch. Avoid the deepest water - it's usually nearest the kerb. Test your brakes when you are out of the flood before driving at normal speed.
4. EMERGENCIES - if you do find yourself stuck in snow or adverse weather, take the following steps:
Try straightening the steering wheel and clearing snow from the wheels. Then put an old sack or similar material under the front of the driving wheels. Once grip has been restored try to keep going until you reach firmer ground. If you still can't move:
» Stay with your vehicle,
» Display some sort of sign to show that you're in trouble
» Turn off the engine,
» Run the engine for around 10 minutes each hour to use the heater,
» Call your break down service provider
» Call home and give details of your situation and location
» Put on additional clothes,
» Keep yourself moving clap your hands, stamp your feet etc
» If there's more than one of you, huddle together to stay warm.
5. DROWSY DRIVING - If you’re driving for long journeys, you should open the window to let fresh air inside or if still feeling tired and sleepy for a 10 to 15 minutes break in the next service station, buy a coffee or cold caffeine drink and then go back to your car have a 10 to 15 minutes of closing your eyes (also put alarm on your mobile to wake you if you fall asleep).
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