24 November, 2011

When the sun is out and it's a calm autumnal day with not a cloud in the sky, it is hard to cast your mind back to the scenes of last winter - one of the coldest on record.

At Cornish Mutual, we had over 60 claims totalling more than £153,000 for vehicles damaged as a result of sliding on ice last winter. Winter is the busiest time of year for vehicle breakdown companies and many will be bracing themselves for the worst.

As Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone once said: "Before anything else, preparation is key to success" and, of course, the Scouts are well-known for their motto "Be prepared".

And that, in essence, is the message behind this particular blog - there are steps you can take now to make sure you and your vehicle (whatever it might be) are ready for the potential onslaught from Jack Frost and friends. Checking your vehicle in advance could pay dividends in the end. So we've put together some timely advice for winter motoring and a bit of a list to make sure that you don't forget anything…

Firstly, invest in a scraper and de-icer and keep them in your vehicle - you will probably need these to clear your windows before you've even started the vehicle and gone anywhere. You can also use your air conditioning to speed up the process.

Fuel - it sounds obvious but make sure that you have plenty of diesel or petrol in your tank, particularly if you're planning on a long journey or travelling to remoter areas where there might not be a garage for some distance. Keep the tank topped up!

Batteries generally last between 3 and 5 years, so make sure your battery is not coming to the end of its life, just as we come into winter. Turn off lights, heaters, wipers, the air conditioning and your stereo before starting the engine - it means that there will be less demand on the battery. If there are problems with starting your vehicle take a good look at the battery, starter motor and alternator. These can all be affected by cold weather and are often some of the most common problems.

Oil - again, check that this is topped up and use your dipstick to make sure the level is right!

Coolant - the damage done by a lack of anti-freeze in coolant could mean the end for an engine. You need to have a 50-50 mix of anti-freeze and water in the cooling system for winter - this will give you maximum protection down to -34 degrees centigrade. Check your levels are right on a regular basis. Your local garage can help you to check the level and mix of coolant in the engine. se your dipstick to make sure the level is right!

Screen wash - make sure you have topped up your screen wash and that it has a 50% mix to help reduce the chance of your wind screen or back window freezing over on the road.

Tyres - as a minimum precaution, check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure you have at least 3mm of tread. Winter tyres make a big difference, so although it might be an extra expense, you might want to think about investing in winter or 'all-season' tyres which give a better grip in cold and wet conditions. The experts say they give much better handling and reduce stopping distances in winter weather.

Wind screens - make sure your wind screen is kept nice and clean and clear of any obstruction. It also goes without saying that if you have a chip or a crack in your wind screen, get this seen to as soon as possible. Check your wiper blades are doing the job they should be and replace ones that are worn out.

Lights - in the darker winter months, so you will need to use your lights more often. Make sure they are clean and clear of any snow, ice or dirt and check on a regular basis that they are all working correctly. It is a good idea to carry an extra set of bulbs in your vehicle too.

Driving in snowy and icy conditions - if you really need to be out on the road, remember to keep your speed down, drive in higher gears to reduce the risk of skidding or your wheels spinning. Make sure that you leave more distance than normal between your vehicle and the one in front, as the stopping distance is greatly increased in icy conditions. If you do start to slide, don't panic, take your foot off the accelerator and don't break suddenly, but try to steer the vehicle safely.

Finally, the AA recommends that you have the following items in a winter emergency kit in your vehicle:

• Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
• Shovel
• Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under wheels to help regain traction on snow or ice
• Salt, sand or cat litter - to help clear snow and ice
• Reflective jacket(s)
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and batteries
• Tow rope
• Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Extra screen wash

And if bad weather is forecast, warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes, waterproofs, sturdy boots and a flask of a hot drink.

By taking precautions now and allowing a bit more time, it is much more likely that you will have a safer and smoother driving experience this winter!