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Spring is on the way
Steve Pollicott • 2 March 2023
Time for a spring clean?
Spring is on the way
Here are some of our top tips to stay safe on the roads this Spring.
Rain
• Rainwater can make the road surface slippery, especially if it’s mixed with oil. It’ll take you longer to come to a stop on slippery surfaces, so make sure you give yourself plenty of space
• Ensure your tyre tread stays within legal limits, even when parked 1.6mm is the legal limit we would recommend 3mm to be safe
• Look for signs of wear and tear on your wiper blades. To help with your visibility, use windscreen wash rather than just water
• Watch out for flooded roads. If the surface water looks too deep to drive through, or if you’re not sure, stop and find an alternative route. If it’s passable, keep a safe distance to avoid bow waves from other cars and test your brakes as you exit the flooded area
• Keep an eye out for potholes that might have formed over the winter months. Hitting one at speed can cause damage to your vehicle. If you do hit one, try not to brake too sharply. Make sure your tyres are inflated to their optimum pressure to also reduce the risk of punctures.
Wind
• Strong winds can blow all kinds of things into the road, from branches and other debris to pedestrians and cyclists. Pay attention to which direction the wind is coming from and look for potential hazards
• Take care when driving alongside high-sided vehicles. They’ll shield you from the wind, but you may be hit by a sudden gust when you’ve passed them
• Make sure you give yourself enough distance to stop if you need to react quickly.
Sun and brightness
• The low spring sun can cause glare on your windscreen. Try cleaning the inside of it with water and detergent and then drying it with a microfibre cloth to minimise the effect
• Use your visor if you need to, adjust your mirrors and wear sunglasses
• Always be alert – just because you’re prepared for it doesn’t mean that other road users are.
Animals and atmosphere
• Spring sees a lot of animals taking their first steps into the world and newborns can sometimes escape their enclosures. Be extra careful when driving on rural roads – slow down and don’t rev your engine if you see an animal
• If you suffer from hayfever or other allergies, make sure any medication you take is non-drowsy. Take all necessary precautions and change the pollen filter in your car regularly to avoid streaming eyes while you’re behind the wheel.
Top tip: reduce the weight of your car by removing all the winter precautions you kept in the boot in case you were stranded. A lighter car will mean better fuel or battery efficiency.
VEHICLE CHECKS
Every week
• Check that your windscreen and bodywork is free from cracks, chips or damage
• Check your electrics – turn on all your lights and walk around the car to make sure they are all working
• Keep your tyres inflated – check the pressures and ensure your tread stays within legal limits, even when parked
Every 2 weeks
• Keep the battery in condition by starting the engine. Keep it running for around 30 minutes to let the battery charge up, but make sure you do this in an open space, not a garage as the fumes can be toxic
• It’s a good idea to top the fuel tank, it helps to stop moisture from getting in and stops the pipes and seals from drying out too much
• Check your coolant, oil and screen wash levels
Even with these steps, if you haven't driven your car in a while, it’s possible you could find that your battery or tyres are flat when you next come to use it.
TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN?
• Wash off all the winter grime and salt and give your car a good check over
• Check and clean your tyres and make sure you’ve got plenty of grip
• Top up your washer fluid
• Make sure your wiper blades are working and don’t have any damage
If you are a small business owner with a product or service that requires you to move around a lot then you have no doubt been considering buying a van, or even a fleet of them if you have a larger team. Perhaps you already have one and may be considering an upgrade or replacement. Before you do anything else, read on! There are benefits to owning a van or fleet outright, but do they outweigh the downsides? Have you thought about how hiring out a van or fleet may actually be more beneficial for you or your business? This month, we explore the advantages to help you make the best decision for your business. THE ECONOMICS OF VAN HIRE Buying a brand-new vehicle or fleet of vans will look good on your balance sheet, and you could even find yourself getting a tax break from the government. However, on the flip side, you would have just shelled out a lot of money that you will never get back in full, as depreciation will kick in from the moment you drive off the forecourt. The residual value of vans is also currently uncertain. When buying your own vehicle, you will also need to take into account all the costs that are associated with managing it: road tax, insurance, breakdown cover, MOTs and servicing. If you plan to regularly drive into Central London in a non-compliant vehicle, you will also have to fork out for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone charge and the Congestion Charge. Before you know it, things have added up to a good chunk of money. Renting a ULEZ compliant vehicle will save you from finding cash for these costs, allowing you to transport your commercial goods from A to B, with only the journey to think about! As an added financial incentive, if you are leasing a vehicle exclusively for business use then you are eligible to claim your VAT back, and your lease costs can be tax deductible. VEHICLE RELIABILITY In today’s market and with a likely recession approaching, nothing is to be guaranteed. The option of renting a vehicle for your business provides you with reliability, without needing to make a commitment. This way, the additional pressure of the costs associated with vehicle maintenance can be relieved from your responsibilities. That responsibility is passed on to the hiring company and it is in their best interests to have reliable and up-to-date vehicles for their clients. Many hire companies, us included, will also have breakdown options to reduce the time you spend looking for a way to get to where you need to go should the worst happen. AVAILABILITY WHEN YOU NEED IT Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of motoring has faced a solenoid shortage. With no current insight into when this shortage will come to an end, the ability to purchase new vehicles will likely become more and more challenging. As of today, you could be looking at a waiting time of 12 – 18 months when buying a new van. Whether you want it to be for the long- or short-term, van rental can be the ideal solution for your business’s transportation requirements. AS FLEXIBLE AS YOU ARE Van hire gives you the ultimate flexibility when you need it. Want a bigger van for a larger job? Need to downsize during quieter periods or scale up quickly after winning a new contract? It’s not only possible, it’s easy to do. It also provides you the opportunity to drive in newer and more efficient vehicles, without having to sell or trade in your purchased van. If your business is in need of a van, or if you have any enquiries about our vehicle rental service, talk to our J&R Car and Van Hire team. We will help you explore the options and find the best solution for you and your business. Start by giving us a call on 01494 79 44 44 and we’ll take it from there.
When the time comes to move house, nobody wants to feel stressed because they left their packing to the last minute. Having a clear strategy for your packing process will give you peace of mind about the whole moving experience. If you choose not to plan in advance then you might not know where everything is. This will cause your move to take much longer. Take a look at our top tips to find out how to pack for a move effectively. PACKING FOR A MOVE Don’t leave anything to chance when you are preparing to move house. Meticulously planning every stage of the process will mean that everything runs smoothly on the big day. Packing without careful consideration is not a good idea, so here is our advice on how to stay in control. CONSIDER WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is boxing up items that you are going to need to use before your move happens. When you begin packing, make sure to start with the things that you won’t need to use until you arrive at your new home. This will mean that you are not going to end up wasting time unpacking and repacking boxes all the time. ORGANISE EFFECTIVELY Organising your belongings will make the unpacking process far easier once you have arrived at your new home. Nobody wants to be digging through boxes and finding random items piled on top of each other. There are a couple of ways in which you can keep track of your stuff and make the task of unboxing everything a lot less daunting. Firstly, you can label each box to remind yourself which room it is for. This will enable you to take each box straight to the room it needs to be in without having to open and look through it. Another effective way to track your belongings is to colour code your boxes, helping you to organise everything and save time. PACK SIMILAR THINGS TOGETHER Packing items that are going to go together in your new home will save you time and energy. Instead of having to take completely different things all over the house, you will be able to methodically work your way around unboxing items. It is also beneficial to load large items of furniture into the van first so that you can put smaller items at the front, making them more easily accessible. DON’T RUSH IT If you leave yourself with too little time to pack all your belongings, then you are more likely to lose track of things. You don’t want to end up rushing around and breaking something that you need or care about. It is always a good idea to give yourself a little longer than you think you will need to ensure that things go to plan. HIRE A MOVING VAN Now that you know how to pack for your move effectively, all you need is a moving van. Here at J&R car and Van Hire we have a range of vans available for hire that will be suitable for your big move. Give us a call on 01494 79 44 44 or email info@jandrsolutions.co.uk and we’ll get back to you to discuss your requirements.
In the lead up to a house move, nobody gets excited to move heavy furniture. Arranging transport for furniture can be a daunting task, with many people leaving it to the last minute and rushing the process. It is important that you leave yourself plenty of time to load furniture into your van, or you could risk damaging items or injuring yourself. Take a look at a few of our top tips on how to move heavy furniture safely: USE SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT When you are moving heavy furniture for a house move, using a Sack Truck or will be of great benefit to you. You can either rent this equipment or purchase it from a home improvement store or hire it from us directly when you collect your vehicle. Our two wheeled sack trolleys allow you to effortlessly manoeuvre payload up to 200kg, heavy white goods or multiple boxes at once are great on a sack trolley. TAKE YOUR TIME While you may want to get the process over and done with quickly, it is important not to underestimate the weight of your furniture when you are moving it. Make sure to check whether you can take apart your larger items of furniture in order to make the moving process more straightforward. Plus, you need to ensure that the heavy items you are lifting can fit through every door and hallway, so you don’t end up panicking and making a mistake. Planning how you are going to transport your heavy belongings will make the process safer and more efficient. BE CAREFUL If you are lifting heavy furniture then you must know the correct lifting techniques, otherwise you could risk sustaining an injury. Take a look at our advice to reduce the risk of injury during the process of transporting your furniture: Hold the furniture as close to your body as possible. Use the strength of your legs when lifting, while bending your knees and keeping your back straight. If you need to turn around or move sideways, make sure to use your legs and not your hips. Push heavy furniture rather than pulling it. Do not get distracted while you are moving heavy items. CHOOSE J&R CAR AND VAN HIRE Do you need a van to use for your house move? Here at J&R Car and Van Hire, we can provide vans of any size for hire at reasonable rates. When you choose J&R Car and Van Hire you can rest assured that you will receive a van that is ideal for your requirements. We will consider your needs and recommend a van that will be perfect for the job. If you want to hire a reliable, high-quality van to transport your heavy furniture, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Give us a call on 01494 79 44 44 or email info@jandrsolutions.co.uk and we will get back to you promptly to discuss your requirements.
Any homeowners who have previously undergone a house move will understand just how physically and emotionally challenging it can be, and the larger the property, the more gruelling the move can be. By utilising the services offered by businesses around you, you’ll be amazed at just how much stress is taken off of your shoulders. Whilst removal companies can often be on the costly side, van rental services can provide you with a beneficial vehicle at a fraction of the cost. In this blog we explore what size van you will need to move a 3-bedroom house… WHAT VAN OPTIONS ARE THERE? Its no secret that vans come in a range of shapes and sizes, but this can often add to the confusion of which option is best for you. For a 3-bed house move we generally advise customers to opt for our 4m long Luton vans. On top of their 900kg maximum load capacity, their assistive tail lift can also carry up to 500kg onto the van, helping to load and unload heavier items with ease. You may find that, if you are down-sizing, you could benefit from a smaller van. This provides you with the option of a Long Wheelbase van, the maximum payload is 950kg, Long Wheelbase Vans have a length of 3.6m HOW MANY GOODS CAN A LUTON VAN HOLD? Advising on just how much furniture a Luton van can hold can be difficult as there are many factors to be considered, including: How you load and stack the goods. Furniture items can be bulky and awkward, so it’s always safer to overestimate the amount of space you need. What condition the items are in, and how fragile they are. This can affect how they are packed and prevent them from being stacked. How many items you have in total. Generally speaking, the majority of our customers are able to move a 3-bedroom house in one trip with our Luton Vans and as a very rough guide we would say one of our Luton vans would fit the following load in a single trip: 40 large boxes of personal belongings 3-piece suite Dining room table and stackable chairs Wardrobe Chest of drawers 3 kitchen appliances (white goods) However, it is always worth having a chat with us prior to hire to clarify whether we think your items would all fit in one go. If you are looking to hire a van for your house move, or if you have any queries about any of the van sizes in our fleet, get in touch with our friendly team at J and R Car and Van hire With no deposit required, we will find the right vehicle for you. Give us a call on 01494 794040 to talk about van rental in more detail.
Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals and can be removed in less than a minute. Catalytic converter theft most frequently occurs in car parks, but they can happen anywhere. Thieves may then sell these converters via scrapyards, online, or ship them out of the country. Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft. Signs a catalytic converter theft is being committed • a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area • a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle Prevent it Although catalytic converter thefts are increasing, there are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle. To keep your catalytic converter safe, you can ask your car dealer for advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer and tested to Sold Secure Gold. Alternatively, try to make sure your vehicle is parked in a garage overnight, or if you have a commercial vehicle, park it in a secure compound. If this isn’t possible, park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked and try to park so that the converter can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable. You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. Visit Secured by Design or Sold Secure Gold for more details. Report it • if the crime is happening now call 999 - if you are unsure, we’d rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring • if it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their car (do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence) • if the crime has already happened then you can report it to us online or at your local police station
Driving in fog can be very dangerous, with its dense nature reducing visibility and making it harder to spot potential hazards. As the months get colder fog is more common during the earlier hours - but it can disrupt drivers during rush hour commutes and much later in the day. Although it is advised to avoid driving in heavy fog, many are unable to do so. But to ensure safety on the road, it's important to know the key pieces of advice when driving in dense fog. How to drive safely in dense fog The most important thing to remember when driving in fog is to use your fog lights to make it easier to see and be seen in misty conditions. The Highway Code states that motorists must use headlights when it isn't possible to see more than 100 metres in front of the car. Drivers are also advised to use front or rear fog lights, however, this is optional. AA top tips for driving in fog The AA has also shared its top tips for when driving in fog. 1. Use dipped headlights, wipers and demisters. 2. Use fog lights when you need to. 3. Beware of other drivers not using headlights. 4. Only drive as fast as conditions allow. 5. Slow down so you can stop in the distance you can see clearly and drive patiently. 6. Allow 3 seconds instead of 2 between you and the car in front. 7. Check your mirrors before you slow down. 8. Open your window to listen for traffic at junctions if you can’t see. It is also important to note that if you find it to foggy drive and are finding it hard to concentrate, stop and avoid driving. What does the fog light symbol look like? The front fog light symbol shows a lamp with slanting lines of light in front of it, pointing left. The lines of light are intersected by a wavy line which represents the fog. The rear fog light symbol is the same as the front fog light symbol but in reverse. The light and fog lines appear after the bulb, pointing right
The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes: • injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle • injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog)* • damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision • damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is *You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement. What to do if you're involved in a road traffic collision • stop at the scene - it is a legal requirement to stop as soon as it is safe to do so • switch off your engine • switch on your hazard lights • check for any injuries to yourself and any passengers • exchange details with anyone involved - name, address, car registration number • provide your insurance details if requested If you're having trouble getting these details from someone involved or they have left without giving details, call the police on 101 while you're still at the scene of the collision. When should I call 999? • if someone is in danger • if someone has been seriously injured • you believe a serious offence has been committed • the collision has caused a blockage or dangerous obstruction of the road How to report your collision You don't need to report a collision to the police if you've exchanged details, nobody was injured and there are no allegations of driving offences. You must report the collision to the police if you were unable to exchange details at the scene, if anyone was injured, or if you suspect that the other person may have committed a driving offence. Report it online You can report a collision online Once you have submitted your form, download a copy for your records and remember to make a note of the form reference number to give to your insurance company. Report it at a police station You can report a collision at a police station You must make your report as soon as possible within 24 hours of the collision. You are not required to take any documents with you - all details can be found electronically. In all cases, remember to report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible. What happens after reporting a collision? Your report will be assessed and you'll only be contacted if something further is needed from you, like a witness statement or for you to attend court. If you report a collision without an injury and or any allegation of bad driving, you're unlikely to be contacted again by the police. You should inform your insurance company and follow their advice. You can use the reference number as a police reference for insurance purposes. If you have made an allegation, then your report will be assessed by the police and either: • the allegation will not be pursued (though it may be used for intel purposes) and the reporter won't be contacted • action will be taken and a Notice of Intended Prosecution issued to the alleged perpetrator (which will happen without the reporting person being contacted); or • only in the unlikely event of the matter going to court will the reporting person need to be contacted Penalties You must report the collision no matter who was at fault. If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: • a fine • up to six months in prison • penalty points on your licence The court can also disqualify you from driving.
Having your car broken into and losing your things to thieves can be very distressing. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle, and what’s in it, safe. 1. Always lock it Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment. If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked. 2. Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’ Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity. 3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number. 4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen. 5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it. 6. Take it with you or hide it Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle. 7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight. 8. Tool theft from vans Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on. Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles. You can also take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site. 9. Park in well-lit and busier areas It can take less than 30 seconds to break into a vehicle. Parking in well-lit areas and busy streets increases the chances of a thief being seen, so they’ll probably steer clear. 10. Take your documents with you Having a vehicle’s registration and insurance documents could let a thief pretend to be the owner. Which means they could sell it on quite easily. So, never leave any documents in the vehicle. 11. Choose your car park wisely If possible, always try to park in well-lit and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark. Catalytic converter theft The precious metal in catalytic converters has led to an increase in their theft. Find out what catalytic converter theft is and what you can do about it.
1. Lock your vehicle Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open. It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered. If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked. 2. Keep the keys safe Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox. Keyless entry Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry. Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car. How to protect your keyless entry car • When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car. • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag. • Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car. • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used. 3. Be aware of carjackers The fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it. In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police. If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police. If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry. 4. Park responsibly It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street. And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark. 5. Watch for illegal tow trucks Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately. As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded. Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle. 6. Fit good in-car security locks Bear in mind that built-in steering locks aren’t necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection. 7. Double-check electronic locking Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away. If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off. 8. Before owning, check for cloning Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document. 9. Secure your port Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.
A few minutes' maintenance could see your motor through the worst the weather has to offer. A drop in temperature and poor weather means you're more likely to see breakdowns during the winter months. So before the worst weather takes hold, here are our top tips for winter car checks. This should help prepare your car for the harsh weather and see you through to spring. 1. Get a winter car service If your car is due a service, get it done before the winter. Also take advantage of the free or discounted winter car checks offered by some garages. A winter car check typically involves a mechanic looking at your tyres, battery, coolant and antifreeze, windscreen wipers, lights and oil. 2. Check the battery Checking your battery is the first thing you should do. A battery has an effective working life of about 5 years. If it’s on its way out, you could find yourself stuck in freezing temperatures. During the winter months it suffers from cold temperatures – reducing the output – and the increased use of lights, heater and blower, which place it under additional strain. If your car is having problems starting, get the battery checked out, and replaced if necessary. If your car won't start because of a flat battery, you can try giving it a jump start. 3. Top up your engine coolant with antifreeze This is essential for when temperatures plummet below freezing, but make sure you get the mix right. Engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. You will need to top it up with antifreeze as it becomes diluted over time, People often make the mistake of topping up with water during the year, so the antifreeze gets over-diluted and freezes during very cold weather. 4. Check your tyres As a car’s tyres are key to both steering and braking, it's essential they’re in good condition. This is always the case regardless of the weather, but it’s of particular importance when it’s wet and icy. Check tyres for pressure and tread depth the legal limit is 1.6mm however it is advisable to have a minimum depth of 3mm as this improves the grip during the winter 5. Clean your lights Check that all lights, indicators and rear reflectors are clean. Regular maintenance of your lights is crucial for driving safely, and it’s also the law, so it’s something else you should keep an eye on all-year round. But, as with your tyres, it’s even more important to check them regularly in bad weather. 6. Wash your windscreen and wipers Give your windscreen a thorough clean inside and out and top up your screenwash fluid with antifreeze. Run your finger down the wiper blades to check for nicks and tears, Check for any chips in the windscreen, as these can grow in the cold weather. 7. Prepare for longer journeys Before setting off on a longer journey, check the weather forecast, travel news and safest routes. Allow extra journey time to avoid having to rush. And if things are looking bad and you don’t have to travel, don’t. Clear all windows of snow and ice using a scraper and de-icer, and ensure you have antifreeze in your car as well as a winter car kit. 8. Carry a winter car kit Your winter car essentials should include: • A shovel • A torch • Spare batteries • A blanket • A hi-visibility vest • Screenwash • Food and drink supplies • A scraper and de-icer • An atlas or map • Snow grips for your shoes in case you need to walk to safety • Boots keep a spare pair in case you need to walk in the snow And don't forget a fully charged mobile phone and a phone charger, too. 9. Check your breakdown cover Comprehensive breakdown cover is crucial at this time of year and should give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t end up stranded in the cold. So check your policy and remember to take a contact phone number with you on all journeys. 10. Other important areas Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delay and check the oil. And don’t ignore dashboard warning lights – they’re there for a reason! If you have a bit of motor know-how, check your brake pads, discs and fluid to ensure the brakes are fast and responsive. Ensure the fan belt and alternator drive belts are tight and not worn and that plugs and other leads are in good condition and secure. If you don't feel confident making these checks, any garage should be able to help. Finally, make sure you drive to the condition of the road. If you don’t, then you might be a danger to yourself and other road users. If you have an accident while you aren’t driving safely, you might have trouble claiming on your car insurance.
