Nothing’s for sure, but experts believe we’re in the middle of a particularly nasty winter. As usual, one that has a habit of changing from one moment to the next, making it difficult to plan for anything.
Not to mention, even more difficult to stay safe on the roads.
It’s no secret that UK roads become particularly hazardous during the winter months. Though what’s surprising is how comparatively few drivers take the time to inspect and consider their vehicles at this time of year.
They simply continue driving as normal – perhaps with a little more care and attention.
Unfortunately, if any aspect of your car’s condition or functionality is out of whack, all the careful and attentive driving in the world isn’t going to help you.
With this in mind, here are the kinds of checks you should be performing right now, which may help you determine whether or not your car is (really) ready for the winter ahead:
Battery
Your car’s battery takes a beating throughout the winter. If it’s not exactly reliable at the best of times, it could cause you a major headache over the coming months. In any case, it’s essential to ensure you have a decent set of jump leads on standby, alongside a portable powerbank to help you get back on the road if you break down in a remote location.
Rust
Likewise, the exterior and chassis of your car in general are guaranteed to take a battering over the next few months. During which, any problems your car has with rust or decay will only accelerate and worsen. Patching things up is an option, but driving a rust-bucket in winter can be hazardous to your health.
Tyres
Always check the tread depth and general condition of your tyres, prior to hitting the road. Or at least, do so on a weekly basis to ensure they’re not disintegrating before your eyes. Remember that if your tyres don’t have enough grip to hold onto the road in winter…well, you can probably figure out the rest for yourself!
Lights
Visibility holds the key to good road safety during the winter, which means regularly checking whether or not all of your lights are working. This is no time to take chances with poor visibility – even if just a single one of your bulbs isn’t working as it should.
Fans
Likewise, heaters and blowers play hugely important roles in ensuring you can see where you are going, and what’s happening around you. If poor visibility due to fog and condensation is an issue, you really shouldn’t be driving your car anywhere.
Brakes
Last but not least, even the most sophisticated braking systems are no match for an unexpected patch of black ice. Nevertheless, ensuring your brakes are in top working order is absolutely essential at this time of year. As is driving so carefully as to give yourself a fighting chance, should the unexpected occur.
For more information on responsible car recycling or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Take My Scrap Car today.
