[Jonathan Fry] Give Your Car a Winter Workout

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Jon Fry

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Nov 1, 2005, 8:07:39 PM11/1/05

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The onset of winter can be bad news for motorists. Little light, bad weather and worse roads conspire to make driving tiring, unpleasant, and sometimes even dangerous.

According to Ian Davis-Knight, head of MOT and technical operations for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), it is up to motorists to protect themselves during the unpleasant months of the year. He said: ‘Every journey is an opportunity to prevent the worst from happening, and there is a great deal of preventative action that you can undertake yourself.’

Before setting off:

make sure that the car is warmed up, and has enough fuel
let someone know your intended movements
listen to traffic news and weather forecasts, and wear warm clothing

Naturally, the need for seasonal preparation also extends to the various systems that run the car. Davis-Knight explains: ‘Make sure that the antifreeze in the car is fresh. Insufficient anti-freeze can cause cracks and overheating in the engine’s cylinder block. It should be changed every two years due to the deterioration of the corrosion inhibitors, or according to manufacturer recommendations.’

Other things to do include:

make sure battery is in good condition
on cold mornings use a de-icer on windows, or a scraper
check that the screen wash is not clogged and that the bottle is topped up for use, and make sure that an additive is used to stop it freezing
check windscreen wipers for wear and replace them if necessary
make sure that all heaters and ventilation systems are working so that misting is minimised
give all external lights and mirrors a thorough once-over
headlamps should be correctly aligned
tyre tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference, and there should be no cuts or cracks
spray damp inhibitor into the door locks to prevent seizing up

Once the car is ready for winter, you should make sure it is carrying emergency equipment so that, if the worst happens, you are ready too.

Useful supplies could include:

torch, spare batteries and bulbs
screen scraper / de-icer
jump leads
warning triangle
first-aid kit
‘hands free’ mobile phone / phone card / cash
blankets and warm jacket (in case of breakdown)
shovel (to clear snow if necessary)
fire extinguisher
rope (for towing if necessary)
road atlas, maps etc

Before you set off, you need to make sure that the light settings match the driving conditions. Davis-Knight observed: ‘As the winter months go on, drivers will find themselves using their lights more and more, but the use of the lights will need to be appropriate for the road conditions. If conditions change during a journey, alter your light settings accordingly. For example if you use front and rear fog lights unnecessarily you will be breaking the law. It is an offence to apply them on a clear night, when they could dazzle other road users. If you set out and conditions improve during your journey, remember to switch to normal lights.’

Separate from the issue of lights, fog is still one of the most potent impediments to safe driving. Other culprits include rain, ice, sleet, and snow. All of these elements can lead to dangerous driving conditions, but cannot cause accidents without the assistance of one vital catalyst, usually provided by the driver: speed.

Davis-Knight commented: ‘In the winter, speed can be your enemy, so winter driving means steady driving. Stopping distances double in the rain, and when roads are icy they can increase ten times. You should always keep well back from the vehicle in front, but in the winter you should be even further back.

‘On treacherous roads, even if yours is the only car for miles, you should drive as slowly as possible in the lowest practical gear. Apart from checking your speed, you also need to consider the way you handle the car as a whole. Steering, gears, clutch, and accelerator should all be used more gently than at other times of year.’

A car being driven too fast could end up in a skid. This can be alleviated by easing off the brake or accelerator and steering in the direction of the skid.

These tactics should alter if your car has an anti lock braking system (ABS), and you are driving under more normal conditions. When stopping in an emergency using ABS, apply the foot brake firmly and quickly and do not reduce pressure until the vehicle has slowed. ABS should also assist with steering control.

Essentially, safety in the winter comes down to four things:

check your car
be prepared for anything
be cautious
monitor your speed

If you try to follow these rules you should find yourself on the road to safe winter driving. To make sure your car is ready for the road in the first place, Davis-Knight advises booking your car in for a service: ‘Careful preparation by the motorist can only go so far.

‘There are many elements within a car that will need the kind of professional attention that only a garage can provide. A service performed by an RMI member garage should help make a car ready for the more unfriendly weather conditions of the winter.’

To find a reliable garage, motorists should look to the RMI. Davis-Knight explains: ‘All RMI members pledge to observe the Code of Practice of the Motor Industry. A member will be able to advise you on the type of service you need, and will be able to point out potential problem areas before they arise, or become serious. In fact, whether you want to buy or sell a new or used car or motorcycle, service or repair your existing vehicle, find an auction house, or a cherished number plate dealer, the RMI will be able to help you.

‘If you have a complaint against an RMI member garage, the RMI’s National Conciliation Service should be able to help you get redress, if the problem cannot be solved in direct consultation with that member.’

To find a garage that is a member of the RMI, visit www.rmif.co.uk and use the ‘Find a Service’ function. You will also find details of RMI members that sell new and used cars or motorcycles, provide vehicle servicing and repair, and sell petrol.

Motorists can also use the RMI Consumer Motorline - 08457 58 53 50
This will enable you to find all RMI members mentioned above, and in addition vehicle auctioneers and cherished number plate dealers.

Davis-Knight concludes: ‘With careful driving and proper preparation, most drivers will travel safely through the winter.’

Web Site:
Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI)

Research Material:
The Retail Motor Industry Federation represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. Retail Motor Industry Training (ReMIT) is the training division of the RMI. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.

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