In winter there are many different aspects that you have to think about when it comes to your car.

Keeping it well maintained is essential all year round but especially in winter because of the treacherous conditions and the danger it could cause to you or others around you. Here are some top tips for driving in the winter...

Before the winter starts you should get your car fully serviced at any Service4Service garage because even if there isn’t anything wrong with it then you will still have peace of mind for the winter months.

You can also ask your garage to replace or fill up the anti-freeze for your radiator which will protect your car from any weather-related issues.

The beginning of winter is also a great time to buy a new car battery as most batteries have 2 to 4 years of reliable life.

If you are planning a long journey in your car during the winter it is also an idea to pack warm clothes.

Sometimes weather conditions get so bad that it creates traffic or even makes driving impossible meaning you may find yourself stuck with nowhere to stay therefore taking extra clothes or even a duvet in your boot could help you out. The heating in your car will only be able to help you out for so long because you can’t leave your engine on all night.

Before going on any long journey you should also check the weather to see if there are any weather warnings on the days you will be travelling.

Even though it is an idea to have breakdown cover all year round it is even more important to have in the winter. During winter months the need for breakdown cover increases massively whether it’s due to a car breaking down or locking your keys in the car by mistake, having a breakdown policy will cover you in most situations. If you don’t have breakdown cover you will have to ring a garage who can charge almost double for their call-out fees. Breakdown cover is only around £30 a year which will end up saving you money if you do need the assistance.

Your windscreen is dangerous if all the parts aren’t set up correctly so make sure to double check it is all working and prepared for the journey. Windscreen wipers should always be checked and if they are faulty in any way then make sure you replace them.

In the winter visibility can become reduced because of the low sun, fog, mist, rain or snow. Add less water to concentrate solution so there is less of a chance of it freezing and do not drive off before your windscreen is fully clear of all ice and condensation. If you were to cause an accident due to your windscreen not being clear then it would take a massive toll on your car insurance and the price would increase.

Tyres can be a huge issue with the cold, wet and slippery weather and can cause serious accidents. You may not be able to afford new winter tyres every year and realistically in England you will probably not need them, however there are precautions that you should take for the winter weather.

The tread depth of your tyres should be deep enough to grip the road in any slippery conditions and they should also be pumped up to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The last tip is to think about how you are driving because it is not the same as driving in the warmer months. When going on any journey ensure that you leave some extra time so that you aren’t rushing because you don’t want to be driving too fast in slippery conditions. Also remember to leave more space than usual behind the car in front and think about how the strong winds can affect your steering.

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