02/06/2004
As the temperature plummets and the days grow shorter, the prospect of a winter car breakdown can be a daunting one. Being stranded on a cold, dark road is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous. However, with a little preparation and the right equipment, you can significantly reduce the risk and ensure you're as safe as possible should the worst happen. This guide will walk you through the essential items you should have in your car during winter, along with crucial tips for winter driving and breakdown preparedness.
The Importance of Winter Preparedness
Winter driving presents unique challenges. Icy roads, reduced visibility, and extreme cold can all take their toll on your vehicle and your ability to navigate safely. Proactive preparation is not just about convenience; it's about safety. Ensuring your car is in good condition and carrying the right supplies can make all the difference when faced with adverse conditions. As the saying goes, 'it's better to be safe than sorry,' and this is particularly true when it comes to winter motoring. Many breakdowns can be avoided with regular checks and by having the necessary items on hand.
Essential Winter Car Kit: What You Need
When preparing your car for winter, think about what you might need if you were to break down and be stranded for a period. Here's a comprehensive list of items to consider:
- Warm Clothing: Even if your journey is short, a breakdown can leave you waiting for assistance. Pack extra warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and a thick coat. A warm blanket or sleeping bag is also a wise addition.
- High-Visibility Clothing: In poor light conditions, it's vital to be seen. A high-visibility jacket or vest will make you more visible to other road users if you need to exit your vehicle.
- First-Aid Kit: A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for any vehicle, but particularly so in winter when access to medical help might be delayed.
- Torch and Spare Batteries: Essential for checking under the bonnet or signalling for help in the dark. Ensure the batteries are fresh or that you have spares.
- Warning Triangle: To alert other drivers of your presence and position your vehicle safely if you have to stop on the roadside.
- Jump Leads: Cold weather can severely impact battery performance. Jump leads are crucial for starting a car with a flat battery. Ensure you know how to use them correctly.
- Mobile Phone and Power Bank: Your mobile phone is your lifeline for calling for help. A fully charged power bank ensures you won't run out of battery, even if your car's battery is dead.
- Shovel: A small, collapsible shovel can be invaluable if your car gets stuck in snow or mud.
- De-icer and Ice Scraper: Essential for maintaining visibility by clearing your windscreen and windows.
- Screenwash: Ensure your screenwash reservoir is full and consider carrying a spare bottle of winter-grade screenwash. This is vital for keeping your windscreen clear of salt spray and grime, which can severely impair visibility in winter.
- Snacks and Drinks: Non-perishable snacks like energy bars and a flask of hot drink can provide much-needed sustenance and comfort if you're waiting for assistance.
- Tow Rope: If you need to be towed or need to tow someone else, a sturdy tow rope is necessary.
- Basic Tool Kit: Including a spanner, pliers, and screwdrivers, for minor adjustments.
- Reflective Warning Sign: In addition to a warning triangle, a reflective warning sign can further enhance your visibility.
Locking Wheel Nuts: Know Your Key!
One often-overlooked but critically important item is your locking wheel nut key. These specialised tools are designed to prevent the theft of your wheels and alloys. However, their primary function for you as a driver is to allow for the removal or tightening of wheel nuts, which is essential when changing a tyre. These keys are typically metal, cylindrical, and have a hexagonal shape. They are usually kept in a small bag or box, often stored underneath the spare wheel in the boot, in the glove compartment, or sometimes under one of the car seats. It is imperative that you know exactly where your locking wheel nut key is located. Mechanics will need it to change a wheel or tyre following a breakdown, and without it, they may not be able to resolve the issue.
Winter Driving: Additional Tips for Safety
Beyond carrying the right equipment, adopting safe driving practices is paramount during winter. Preparation is truly key.
- Fuel Levels: Always ensure you have sufficient fuel for your planned journey, and a little extra. Running out of fuel in cold weather can lead to a frozen fuel line, making the problem worse.
- Oil and Coolant: Check your oil and coolant levels regularly. Ensure they are topped up to the correct levels. Antifreeze in the coolant is vital to prevent the engine from freezing.
- Tyre Pressure: Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. Check your tyre pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Properly inflated tyres are crucial for grip and fuel efficiency.
- Lights: Ensure all your lights – headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators – are working correctly. Visibility is significantly reduced in winter, so being seen is as important as seeing.
- Tyre Tread: Check your tyre tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for winter driving, a deeper tread is recommended for better grip on wet, icy, or snowy surfaces. Consider winter tyres for optimal performance.
- Plan Your Journey: Check weather forecasts and traffic reports before you set off. If conditions are particularly bad, it might be safer to postpone your journey.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. Gentle inputs are key to maintaining control on slippery surfaces.
- Increase Following Distance: Allow significantly more space between your vehicle and the one in front. This gives you more time to react and brake safely.
- Use Fog Lights Wisely: Only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Remember to switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Breakdown Cover: Your Winter Peace of Mind
While preparation can minimise the risk of a breakdown, it can't eliminate it entirely. Having comprehensive breakdown cover provides invaluable peace of mind, especially during the challenging winter months. Providers like the RAC offer various levels of cover, including roadside assistance, home assistance, and even alternative transport options. This ensures that whether your vehicle fails at home or on the road, you'll receive prompt and reliable support to get you moving again or to your destination.
When choosing breakdown cover, it's wise to compare different providers. Look at what services are included, the geographical coverage, and the overall cost. Understanding how different policies compare to competitors like the AA or Start Rescue can help you make an informed decision.
What to Do If You Break Down in Winter
If you do experience a breakdown in winter, follow these steps:
- Pull Over Safely: If possible, steer your vehicle off the road and onto the hard shoulder or a safe lay-by. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
- Make Yourself Visible: If it's safe to do so, exit your vehicle on the side away from traffic. Place your warning triangle at an appropriate distance behind your car (at least 45 metres or 147 feet on a dual carriageway or motorway) to alert oncoming traffic. Put on your high-visibility clothing.
- Stay Safe: If you can't exit your vehicle safely, or if it's extremely cold or dangerous outside, stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened and call for assistance. Keep your hazard lights on.
- Call for Help: Contact your breakdown provider or the emergency services if necessary. Provide your exact location and details of the problem.
- Stay Warm: If you're waiting for assistance, use your warm clothing and blankets to stay as warm as possible. Run the engine intermittently for heat, but ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the most important item to have in my car for winter? | While many items are crucial, a fully charged mobile phone with a power bank and warm clothing are arguably the most important for immediate safety and communication. |
| Can I use regular screenwash in winter? | No, it's essential to use winter-grade screenwash which contains antifreeze to prevent it from freezing and to effectively clear ice and salt spray. |
| How often should I check my tyre pressure in winter? | It's recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and more frequently when temperatures fluctuate significantly, as cold weather can cause pressure to drop. |
| What should I do if my car battery dies in the cold? | If you have jump leads and another vehicle, you can attempt to jump-start your car. Alternatively, call your breakdown provider for assistance. |
| Do I need special tyres for winter? | While not legally mandatory in the UK, winter tyres offer significantly better grip and performance on cold, wet, icy, or snowy roads and are highly recommended for safety. |
By following these guidelines and ensuring your car is well-equipped, you can face the winter months with greater confidence. Remember, preparation is your best defence against the unpredictable nature of winter weather and potential breakdowns. Stay safe on the roads!
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