Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, November 30th, 2006


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) • MAKING TRACKS THIS WINTER ... A SEASONAL GUIDE FOR THE MOTORIST •


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formance, but an efficient engine should also mean lower fuel consumption, not to mention a cleaner ex­ haust and greater reliability. Just a few simple checks on a regular basis would go


manufacturer NGK shows that 40% of cars on Britain’s roads are more than nine years old, a trend that seems likely to continue. It is also a fact that bodywork generally survives far better than it used to, often disguising perhaps that under the bonnet the car is in worse shape than the paintwork would suggest. Regular servicing will not only ensure better per­


a long way to preventing many breakdowns, espe­ cially in winter. Easy to say; harder to find the time to do.


structed its patrols where appropriate to carry out a series of brief checks at every breakdown. But the frustrating thing for many drivers stranded by the roadside is that the breakdown should not have hap­ pened - the motoring associations reckon that around half of their call-outs could be avoided by regular servicing. In addition, a specific pre-winter service check


from lights and tyres to the battery and the starter motor.


should ensure that vehicles are in good mechanical and electrical condition to face whatever the season might bring. Basic checkpoints ideally would include everything


Recognising that fact, the AA, for example, has in­


the older the vehicle, the more important it is when the winter months come around. Independent research carried out by spark plug


treads are illegal as well as potentially lethal -foryou and innocent bystanders, as well as other road users. Tyre pressure, too, should be regularly monitored. In Britain we do not go in for the Qmtinental practice of swapping tyres in the autumn to winter ones - then back in the spring to summer ones. To be fair, our climate does not justify it. It is important therefore to ensure that you choose an appropriate tyre to see you ^ safely on your way all year roundl


Tyres Tyres should always be carefully checked, as worn


breakdown - drained fi'om leaving the lights on, as we all do from time to time or simply dead, kaput, wiped- out.


tery and on average that is three yeark Sluggish start­ ing is a sure sign that your car battery is getting old. As soon as starting becomes slow, it is time to think about buying a new battery. It is possible that the problem might lie with the starter motor, so ask your garage to check that out, along with the fan belt.


manufacturers’ recommended levels. The washer ha­ rems also needs to be tested and, of course, before '


a look. It is worth testing the strength of the anti­ freeze, if any, in there. Extra glycol-based anti-freeze will boost levels to


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sale, so that they can solve the problem on the spot. A lot of people think that car batteries should last for­ ever and the confusiqn is compounded by batteries claiming to offer “lifetime guarantees” - the lifetime of what? You? The car? It is actually the lifetime of the bat­


Many recovery patrols now cany new batteries for


Battery Battery failure is one of the most common causes of


long journeys, water and cleaner should be topped up to ensure optimum visibility whatever the weath­ er. Hoses, too, should be examined for any cracks or leaks and replaced if there is any doubt that they will not see you through the cold snap.


Wipers Windscreen wiper blades should be replaced after


a year’s use, so check them out as winter approaches for wear and tear.


year more than 7% of petrol cars and light vans and nearly 11% of their diesel counterparts failed their MoT because of high exhaust emissions. Exhausts are most likely to split at either the si­


this important piece of equipment on your checklist, not just as winter approaches but before a holiday. A quick check-up could also save your car failing its MoT. According to the Department of Transport, last


. Exhausts Exhausts work hard all year, so it is worth including


lencer or back box, but usually give little warning of a pending failure.


could also be worth changing the cam belt, according to the RAC, which has to deal with 36,000 break­ downs a year caused by broken timing belts. Abroken


Cam Belt If you have recently bought a car second-hand it


, belt, it warns, could wreck the engine, causing thou­ sands of pounds worth of damage, while the cost of fit­ ting a new belt is relatively low. There are no warning signs that the belt is about to


break. That tends to happen as you try to start the engine and the car simply will not run.


• Continued on next page \\ '


1


Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, November 30th, 2006 67


• MAKING TRACKS THIS WINTER ... A SEASONAL GUIDE FOR THE MOTORIST Checklist and essentials


I •Continued from previous page


I be able to check and rectify yourself prior to I venturing out on roads is the condition of r the shock absorbers. Yet the danger of driving a car with worn


Shock Absorbers One thing you almost certainly will not


1 shock absorbers is considerable. Research ! shows that an estimated one in four cars j travelling on UK roads today has at least I one defective shock absorber. The likelihood of having worn “shocks”


I travelled more than 50,000 miles. Shock absorbers are hidden beneath the


is even greater among vehicles which are three or more years old or those that have


I car’s bod)work and behind the wheels - out of sight and therefore out of mind for


I many motorists. The performance of a shock absorber


[ and include: ■ Reduced braking efficiency and longer


I braking distances. ■ An increased risk of aquaplaning in


i brakes. ■ Sloppy, loose steering control. ■ Increased tyre wear and reduced grip. ■ Increased headlight oscillation. ■ Driver fatigue and passenger discom-


i fort. You can get your car’s shock absorbers


j checked the next time you take it in for a j service. Alternatively, drop by any good exhaust


j system or tyre dealer outlet and they will [sort you out.


I wash it regularly, to remove the salt and mud thrown up by filthy roads. This will help avoid rusting and other


I sale value of your car. Rinse off loose dirt with warm water and


i sense, in practice keeping your car clean in winter is easier said than done. Even so, it is well worth making time to


Bodywork Finally, while it might seem like common


damage thhat can occur if the salt and mud is left to build up - and clean, well-main­ tained bodywork can add pounds to the re-


I chamois leather. Adding a wax polish will also help protect


1 washing your car at least every couple of weeks and using a protective polish every


[ the bodywork. During winter, experts recommend


I two months. Basic Precautions


. Before setting off on a winter journey, I assess the weather, and if in doubt stay at I home.


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I If, however, you do set off take time to I run through the basic checks outlined here. I Keep a few essentials in the car, too, sug- I gests motoring organisation Green Flag. I It recommends: ■ mobile phone (fully charged) ■ shovel


■ de-icer/ice scraper ■ blanket


■warm clothing ■ wellingtons ■ torch ■ hot drink •


■ chocolate bar ■ extra fuel


I safc° and stay warm and stay


I use a quality car shampoo; washing up liq­ uid Mn damage the paintwork. Rinse thoroughly and dry the car with a


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the wet. ■ Reduced efficiency of the anti-lock


j deteriorates gradualfy and imperceptibly over time, during which the driver unwit­ tingly adapts his or her driving style to com­ pensate for the worsening condition and handling of the car. The effects of worn “shocks” are serious


wipers are in good condition and replace them if necessary. ■ Windscreen washers - make sure they are topped up with an


ai;e clean and aimed properly. This includes indicators and hazard warning lights. .


anti-freezing solution. ■ Lights - check that all bulbs are working and that headlights


mand on your battery. Avoid running electrics longer than nec­ essary and top your battery up ovemi^t if necessary. Also check your fan belt and alternator drive belt to see if they need tighten­ ing or replacing.


■ Electrics - lights, heating and windscreen wipers put high de­


freeze, are sufficient and that any cracked or leaking hoses are replaced and make sure your radiator is in good condition. ■ Heating - check your heating and de-misting ^sterns work. ■ Tyres - check all lyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. If your tread depth does not meet the minimum requirement of


1.6mm then they need changing. Also, do not reduce tyre pressure to get more grip.


lowing items in their vehicle throughout the winter: 1. Mobile phone and charger in case of breakdown 2. Spare bulbs, wiper blades and fuses 3. Ice scraper 4. De-icer 5. Torch 6. First aid kit 7. Tow rope 8. Jump leads 9. Blaidcets 10. Warm coat and boots 11. Warning triangle 12. Shovel


BE PREPARED: There are a lot of steps you can take to have your car ready for winter. (S)


The essential car kit Motaquip also recommends that motorists should cany the fol­


■ Cooling system - be sure that coolant levels, containing anti­


be carried out before setting out on any journey. ■ Windscreen wipers - with visibility a major issue, check your


and wild conditions, the company is urging drivers to take extra precautions to cope with demanding road conditions and not run the risk of being caught out by a big freeze. Here, Motaquip has put together a simple checklist that can


WITH the winter months approaching, leading car parts supplier Motaquip is warning motorists to be prepared for the worst. Whether you are in the grip of ice or snow or battling against wet


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