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Winter Driving Advice and Offers
Tyres
The legal minimum of 1.6mm of tread is less than twice the thickness of a CD but during the winter a minimum of 3mm (around 3 CDs) is essential because the deeper tread will be more effective at clearing water. We will be more than happy to advise you on the condition of your tyres free of charge at any of our branches.
Batteries
Modern batteries have many advantages, but if allowed to discharge, they will take a long time to recharge fully – they suffer at this time of year particularly in cars that do short journeys on cold mornings. You'll either need to make a regular long journey with minimal use of the car's electrical items or arrange to trickle–charge the battery.
Engines and Anti-Freeze
Depress the clutch when starting a cold engine – this disconnects the engine from the gearbox so there's less drag.
Antifreeze costs only a few pounds, but a cracked engine block will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.
The majority of modern cars use long-life antifreeze, and it is absolutely essential that you don't mix these with other types as this can cause a sludge to form in the engine. If you're not sure what type of antifreeze is in your car, take it to a dealer.
Traditional glycol-based antifreeze should be changed at least every two years.
A 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system is needed in winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34° centigrade, and without it, severe engine damage costing hundreds of pounds can occur.
If the fan belt squeals continually as soon as the engine is started, that is a sign the water pump is frozen. The cylinder block could be frozen too. Stop the engine immediately and allow it to thaw out. This may take several days unless you can get the car moved to a heated garage.
Most commonly, it is just the radiator that freezes. The car will begin to overheat within a few miles of home, as the coolant is unable to circulate. Stop the car immediately and allow the radiator to thaw.
Screen wash
Keep it topped up and use a proper additive at the right concentration – don't use washing up liquid though as it will foam horribly and doesn't have the same low freezing point. We sell pre-mixed bottles of screen wash ready to use.
Bodywork
Wash the car frequently to get rid of the salt and dirt that builds up over the winter. Check for stone chips too as rust forms very quickly in the cold, damp weather.
Replace any missing wheel trims promptly to minimise corrosion to the wheel bolts, which can seize, making removal of the wheel even more difficult.
Fuel
We would advise keeping your vehicle fairly full in the cold months, as you never know when you might get caught up in an accident or foul weather. At least you'll be able to run the engine and keep warm but you must make sure the exhaust's clear of snow otherwise fumes can get into the car.
Windows
If your windows have misted up, use the air–con as well as the heater – it's not just for summer and helps to dry the air.
Don't use water to defrost the windows – hot water can crack the screen and will just re–freeze as it cools, either on the screen or on the ground where you're standing, which could have painful consequences! We sell de-icer in all of our branches, which is instant or warm the car up prior to your journey, but never leave your vehicle running un- attended, otherwise someone may steal the vehicle while you are not looking. Thinking about frosty mornings, a squirt of WD40 in the locks will stop them freezing.
Before you go
People view their car as their coat and therefore, don't think to carry enough outer clothing. Take a warm coat, gloves and hat in case the weather or the car catches you out. If you do get stuck, you'll be very pleased if you packed chocolate, water and a hot drink too.
Always carry a fully–charged mobile and take some old bits of carpet and a shovel to clear snow, in case you get stuck.
On the road
On colder days be particularly careful on tree–lined roads – the trees prevent the sun's warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed.
In fog, remember to use you high intensity rear front and rear fog lights, when visibility is reduced, but PLEASE remember to turn them off again when they are not needed.
On snow and ice just do everything very slowly because it can go wrong very quickly.
Please drive safely this winter and remember we are on hand to advise and help you at any one of our branches.
You may want to take a few minutes to watch the AA Winter Driving Video below.
Tim Golding
Groupr Service Director