Preparing for Winter

November 21, 2014 11:55 am

The nights are drawing in and the temperatures are dropping. You may spot squirrels gathering food to see them through the winter or hedgehogs finding a warm place to hibernate, but it is not just wildlife that is getting prepared. At this time of year that we also start to make sure we are well equipped for the harsh winter weather.

Our summer clothes are packed away and replaced by warm jumpers, thick waterproof coats, hats, scarves and gloves. With plenty of layers and boots with a good grip, we are personally able to head out into the frosty mornings, heavy down pours and possibly snow.

As we get closer to Christmas, we may pay more attention to protecting our homes from the cold. From a boiler service, to ensuring the pipework is well insulated so it doesn’t freeze, these preventative measures can reduce the risk of a mid-winter crisis. Outside gardeners may be wrapping less robust plants in fleeces, or moving them into greenhouses for protection from the cold.

Our winter preparations should also apply to our cars. As the clocks go back, it is more essential than ever that we check our cars are prepared for what the winter may throw at us. Three especially vital points are to ensure that there is a good tread on your tyres, that your windscreen wipers are working properly and that your car is well topped up with a high quality screenwash.

It is worth considering how well equipped you are if you were affected by snow, thick fog, icy conditions or a heavy downpour. Think seriously about whether you need to carry additional emergency equipment and ensure that you are still covered for an emergency breakdown.

Is Your Journey Essential?

If conditions are bad before you head out, do you really need to travel? Unless the journey is essential, then it could be wise to cancel appointments, work from home or make alternative arrangements. If you do need to drive, you must feel confident that you and your vehicle are well prepared for the journey and you allow extra time to reach your destination.

For a start, be sure that you know where you are going and alternative routes in case roads are closed. Ensure your phone is fully charged and you have the phone numbers of people you may need to contact, including breakdown services. Pack some extra warm layers, a bottle of water and some snacks in case the journey takes longer than expected, due to heavy traffic.

If you live or work in a remote location, which is regularly affected by floods, snow or icy conditions and your car isn’t always reliable through the winter months, 4×4 hire could provide the solution. Designed specifically to provide control, power, comfort and reliability in extreme conditions, 4×4 hire could offer a temporary solution for the harshest times of year.

Winter Driving

When driving on icy, snow covered or flooded roads, it is important that you take everything more slowly. It is better that you arrive late than not at all. Slowly doesn’t just apply to your speed, but also acceleration and braking. Leave a bigger than usual gap between your vehicle and the one in front, to allow yourself and your car more time to react to situations that may arise.

If you are driving through large pools of water, try to aim for higher sections of road, where the water level is shallower and gently test your brakes when you are through to the other side. Water can affect your car’s brakes, electrics and battery, so if you are uncertain that you can make it through, it is better to turn back.

If you skid on icy roads, you need to steer into the skid rather than in the opposite direction, although that goes against your instinctive reaction. Whilst acceleration should be slow, you may need to change up to a higher gear quickly in order to prevent wheel spin.

Ensure that you keep your car topped up with fuel and tune into a local radio station. This will provide regular travel updates including accidents and road closures. With this information, you can plan the best route to avoid any incidents.

4×4 Hire

If a vehicle that is designed for extreme conditions will enable you to reliably reach an important destination, 4×4 Vehicle Hire has a range of high specification vehicles that can be hired for a day, week, month or longer term lease. With national branches, you can easily find your local branch of 4×4 Vehicle Hirehttps://4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/ to arrange a convenient pick up point and time.