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Seasonal Advice

Winter driving advice

Winter is the season requiring most care and preparation if you're to stay safe and avoid a breakdown.

Breakdowns are more common at this time of year and road conditions can be really challenging, particularly when snow and ice strike.

Here's our general advice for safe and troublefree driving through the cold, dark months ahead.

Battery and Electrics

	Lights, heaters and wipers put high demands on the car battery. If your driving is mainly dark rush-hour trips, the battery will give out eventually
	Batteries rarely last longer than five years. Replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road.
	Avoid running electrical systems any longer than necessary – turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once windows are clear.
	Turn off non-essential electrical loads like lights, rear screen heater and wipers before trying to start the engine.
	Use the starter in short five-second bursts if the engine doesn't start quickly, leaving thirty seconds between attempts to allow the battery to recover.

Antifreeze

	A continuous squealing noise as soon as the engine is started is a sign the water pump is frozen - it's the fan belt slipping on the pulley. The cylinder block could be frozen too. Stop the engine immediately and allow it to thaw out. This may take several days unless the car can be moved to a heated garage.
	If the car begins to overheat a few miles from home it's likely that the radiator has frozen preventing coolant from circulating. Stop straight away to avoid serious damage and allow the radiator to thaw.
	Open windows cause extra drag. Try air vents first particularly on a motorway or highways.
	Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze - it's important to use the right type and avoid mixing different types. Check the handbook or ask a dealer for advice.
	Glycol-based antifreeze should be changed at least every two years.
	You need a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system for winter. This gives maximum protection down to -34° centigrade, and without it, severe engine damage costing thousands of Rupees can occur.

Vision

	Keep the windscreen and other windows clear – if your vision is obscured through dirt, snow or even sticker-infested car windows you could face a hefty fine. Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows as this can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view. It can be a hazard to other road users as well.
	Improve vision by making sure that the windscreen is clean both inside and out. Scratches, abrasion and chips on the outside can also worsen the dazzling effect of the sun.
	Use air conditioning for faster demisting and to reduce condensation on cold windows.
	Check windscreen wipers and replace if necessary.
	Make sure that wipers are switched off in the park position when leaving the car, when there's risk of freezing. If you don't and the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on.
	Top up Windscreen washer fluid and treat with a suitable additive to reduce the chance of freezing. Don't use ordinary engine antifreeze as it will damage paintwork.

Driving in Snow and Ice

	Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving. Cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals.
	Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
	Up hill - avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.
	Down hill - reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.
	If you have to use brakes then apply them gently. Release the brakes and de-clutch if the car skids.