How to beat the breakdown blues this winter
As the winter “breakdown season” begins, Mondial Assistance in the UK is warning motorists that the chances of their vehicle breaking down increases. However, nothing is a substitute for care and attention of a vehicle’s condition, which can make the difference between being stuck on the side of a motorway and making it home.
The most common vehicle assistance Mondial Assistance attends to during the winter months is flat battery, either because of poor battery condition or battery failure due to the impact of the cold weather. However preventative maintenance of a vehicle could keep drivers free of hassle and inconvenience.
Lee Taylor, Automotive Director at Mondial Assistance in the UK comments “Driving conditions in Britain during the winter months can be both difficult and hazardous. Yet, with a little maintenance, it’s possible to minimise the risk you expose yourself to the open road. Any niggles and noises that have been hidden away under the bonnet during the year, may well become a bigger problem as winter gets a grip. So, make sure your battery is in good working condition. As there are more demands on the car’s electrics during this season, the extra usage of heating, lights beaming both morning and the evening can take their toll. If your battery is accessible, it’s recommended that you check the connections on the top of the battery are clean, damage free, secure and free of corrosion.”
The condition of the tyres should also be checked for correct pressure and legal tread depth. The greater the depth, the more efficient the tyre is in wet weather and icy conditions. Worn tyres are dangerous as the car loses its grip on the road. Check for any signs of damage to tyre walls or wheel rims which can be caused by wear and tear as tyres hit kerbs and large stones.
Lee Taylor, concludes, “So rather than being stranded and adding to problems on the road, motorists can follow our advice on how best avoid a breakdown this season.”
Mondial Assistance offers advice for winter driving
Check your lights and brakes are in good working order
Check the condition of your tyres; particularly the tread and pressures - as the temperature drops, so will the pressure in your tyres
Check your anti-freeze levels and top up if necessary
Make sure your battery is fully charged and in good condition
Make sure your lights, windscreen and windows are clean. Replace any blown light bulbs , including your emergency and interior lights
Makes sure your wipers are in good order and work well
Top up your windscreen washers to the required levels
Check your engine oil and water levels
Put in your boot a winter driving kit with bottled water, flashlight with fresh batteries, ice scraper, warm blanket, triangle warning devices and first aid kit
Read your vehicle owner's manual. This guide will tell you when maintenance should be scheduled on your vehicle and the specifications of your tyre pressure, tyre size, engine oil etc
In necessary, have your vehicle checked or serviced by a professional.