Tesco encourages motorists prepare for impending wind and rain

As the wind, rain and freezing temperatures that have been battering Scotland moves south to hit England and Wales this weekend, Tesco Car Insurance is urging all drivers to take a few simple steps to prepare their cars for the resulting hazardous driving conditions.

Tesco Car Insurance Top Winter Tips

Clean your lights daily – grime and dirt can prevent lights from giving full glow
Get your battery checked
Check that your brake and fog lights are working properly – particularly if you have recently driven through water.
Consider putting your car in for a service
Check your tyre tread – the legal standard is 1.6mm, but better tread will result in better grip
Keep a scraper and de-icer in the car for icy days
Keep some de-icer in the house in case the locks on your car are frozen
Do not put boiling water on the windscreen as it could crack
Carry a warm coat and gloves in the boot of your car at all times
Allow longer journey times in case road conditions are bad
Check weather reports and if possible avoid making long journeys when conditions are extreme

Tesco Car Insurance’s records show that vehicle breakdowns increase by approximately 20% during winter months with failed batteries, broken alternators, gearboxes and cooling systems, and tyre problems being the most common causes.

Allan Burns, head of Tesco Car Insurance, comments; "The howling wind and heavy rain presents motorists with a new set of dangers, from hazardous conditions to mechanical problems. We encourage all motorists to spend a little time preparing their car for the cold weather conditions and ensure that they have adequate car breakdown cover.”