THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 6 2017
51 Motors
Keeping safe in winter OF ALL the seasons, winter
requires the most care and preparation if you’re to stay safe and avoid a breakdown. The number of breakdowns nearly
doubles during particularly cold spells, and road conditions can be really challenging, particularly when snow and ice strike. Lights, heaters and wipers put high
demands on the car battery. If your driving is mainly dark rush-hour trips, the battery will give out eventually. Batteries rarely last longer than
five years. Replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road. Avoid running electrical systems any longer than necessary – turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once windows are clear. A continuous squealing noise as
soon as the engine is started is a sign the water pump is frozen - it’s the fan belt slipping on the pulley. The cylinder block could be frozen too. Stop the engine immediately and allow it to thaw out. This may take several days unless the car can be moved to a heated garage. If the car begins to overheat a few
miles from home it’s likely that the radiator has frozen preventing coolant
from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw. Keep the windscreen and other
windows clear – if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a hefty fine. Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows as this can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view. It can be a hazard to other road users as well. Dazzle from a low winter sun can be a particular problem. Make sure that all bulbs are
working and that lenses are clean. When roads are really mucky you might need to clean lights after every journey. Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible. If you have to clear snow from the
car it’s important to clear it from the lights - front and back - as well as from the glass and roof. You must use headlights when
visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights but these must be switched off when visibility improves as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights. Don’t reduce tyre pressures to
get more grip – it doesn’t work, and reduces stability. It’s rare to need snow chains
unless you live in an isolated area hit with heavy snow, and where the roads are not cleared. They must be removed to drive on a metalled road without a reasonable covering of snow. Consider changing to winter or all
season tyres – these have a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions. Before you leave for work, leave at
least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Don’t drive off like a tank-
commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer. Use a cigarette lighter to warm a
key for a frozen lock. Don’t breathe on the lock, as the moisture will condense and freeze. Plan routes to favour major roads
which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted. Put safety before punctuality
when the bad weather closes in. Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delay. Keep safe this winter: The season holds many road dangers.
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