It is no wonder that more accidents occur during bad weather/wintery conditions. Although accidents will happen it is very important to take as many steps as possible to reduce the risk and any subsequent injury. In extreme conditions it is advisable to avoid all but necessary journeys. The following checklist is by no means exhaustive but will help to reduce the likelihood of any accident:-
Tyres
Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tyres and replace them when they are worn. This will guarantee maximum traction and grip. Change your tyres before your tread depth is worn to 1.6mm (the legal limit in the UK) Your safety and mobility depend on a good level of tread depth because the tread grooves disperse water from underneath your tyre, helping maintain control; The more tread depth you have remaining on your tyres the more water they can disperse, reducing the risk of aquaplaning; correct air pressure, as well as regular vehicle maintenance, will ensure your tyres perform at their best for the longest possible time.
Correct tyre pressure reduces the risk of losing control of your vehicle. It also protects your tyres from premature wear and irreversible damage to the internal construction. Check the pressure of your tyres, including your spare, monthly and before any long journey, preferably when your tyres are cold. It is important to check the pressure once a month, because under or over inflation can reduce the life of your tyres, affect their performance and increase the risk of damage. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure can also save you money on fuel!
The recommended tyre pressure can be found in the user manual of your vehicle or on a label on the door or door frame of the vehicle or on the inside of the fuel flap. The recommended tyre pressure is not located on the tyre. The inflation pressure shown on the tyre sidewall is the maximum tyre inflation pressure.
Balance and wheel alignment must also be checked.
Fluids
Windscreen washer fluid is held in a reservoir under the bonnet that is usually very easy to get to. If you live in a mild climate you may fill the reservoir with water and a little mild dishwashing detergent. However, if you live in a cold climate, water may freeze and burst the container, so be sure to use a windscreen washer solvent instead. The same goes for your radiator, use a quality antifreeze mixed with water and use an antifreeze tester to make sure the mixture will hold to the lowest temperature possible for your area.
Oil should be changed frequently and power steering, brake, radiator and battery fluids also should be filled to recommended levels.
Windscreen Care
It is very tempting to ignore a small crack in your windscreen especially when it is outside of the driver’s field of vision. What can often start of as a small crack can quite easily develop into a bigger crack in very cold weather which may result in the windscreen having to be replaced. A small crack is relatively inexpensive to repair and is even covered free of charge on some insurance policies.
Windscreens should be completely cleared of ice/snow, front and back. All too often a minority of drivers will deice a small area of their windscreen just big enough to see out of which is a dangerous practice to be avoided.
Wipers
Wipers should be checked to ensure that there are no splits. If so, replace at the earliest opportunity.
>> Find Out More About Our No Win No Fee Compensation Service
