Drivers urged to take caution in Winter

Added: (Fri Dec 03 2010)

Pressbox (Press Release) - As the nights draw in and the frost begins to bite, it’s feeling more like winter every day. And according to experts at a new car servicing website, now is the time to start thinking about winter road safety and car maintenance.

Last year the AA rescued more than half a million drivers in a four week period over Christmas and New Year – more than double its usual workload – and according to Government statistics, the number of accidents caused by wet road conditions increases in winter by 267%. So what can we do to reduce the risks?

The experts at ebeepbeep.com, a new website which offers drivers cheaper, trustworthy car servicing and MOTs from a choice of approved garages local to them, have offered four top tips for winter driving.

1. Check mate: Don’t get caught out in winter

According to ebeepbeep, it’s even more important in winter to carry out essential checks your car. Whether looking at tyres (which need extra tread in winter), antifreeze or lightbulbs, consult your handbook or ask an expert for advice. Batteries are a common winter casualty, so be proactive and change it early before you’re left stranded in the snow. And don’t forget to check the level of your windscreen washer reservoir, which will need screenwash adding in winter to prevent it from freezing up.

2. Dib, dib, dib! Be prepared

Any road safety expert will tell you that in winter roads can be treacherous, so allow extra time to complete your journey. Plan your routes, use roads that are more likely to be gritted and make sure you allow time to adequately clear all your windows of ice or dirt – not just a small area of your windscreen. It is also beneficial to check weather forecasts before driving and make sure that you always carry an emergency pack, including a blanket and first aid kit.

3. Safety first: Watch your speed

Drivers should always be vigilant but experts will tell you that in winter, it’s even more crucial. By reducing speed, allowing for longer stopping distances and being aware of your surroundings, you can reduce the risk of accidents. Gentle acceleration and braking is another tip for winter driving, not only to ease pressures on parts such as clutch and brakes, but also to prevent the risk of wheel-spin and skidding in icy conditions. Believe it or not winter is also a good time to keep sunglasses in your car – as the low afternoon sun can make driving hazardous.

4. Consider the conditions: Beware of black ice

The team at ebeepbeep.com also maintain that drivers need to be aware of what is around them on the road. Fresh snow may look obvious enough, but be aware that it may have a layer of frozen ice underneath it and equally, melted snow can have a very slippery top layer. We all know the dangers of black ice too and the key is to listen to your tyres - if they make no noise whilst driving, you could be on black ice, particularly in shaded areas that are exposed to cold winds.

Take caution of areas most at risk of the elements - where the road is exposed, there are changes in elevation or large objects such as trees have shaded the road for example. There is more likely to be ice in shaded areas, particularly early in the morning or late evening.


ebeepbeep.com offers cheaper MOTS and servicing from a choice of approved local garages. Visit http://www.ebeepbeep.com to find your nearest participating garage or call 0844 736 0055.