El Niño is here: Is your car winter-ready?
This year’s Super El Niño is already causing wild weather events in some parts of the world, as wind patterns reverse over the Pacific, leaving some areas wetter than usual and others significantly drier.
The UK Met Office has forecast windier-than-usual weather as we approach the new year. The effects have already been felt across the country following the season’s first destructive named storms.
Steve Ramsey, motor insurance expert at Go.Compare, explained: “After the severe weather conditions we have already seen this year, drivers should assume the worst is yet to come. With more cold, wet and windy conditions likely through the winter, now is the time to make sure your car is prepared.”
“Checking essentials such as tyres, lights, wipers, battery health and fluid levels can help prevent avoidable breakdowns and keep motorists safer on the road.”
Here are six great ways to make sure your car is winter-ready:
1. Check your tyres: Car tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth. There must be tread across the middle three-quarters and around the entire tyre, but drivers should not wait until the tread is close to that limit. It’s a good idea to check your tyre tread on every wheel regularly, especially at this time of year. Keeping tyres inflated to the pressure recommended in the vehicle handbook helps you to maintain grip and control in cold, wet winter conditions.
2. Look at your lights: In winter your lights are there to help you see and help other drivers see you in bad weather conditions and darker evenings. Give them a quick weekly check, wiping away road dirt and replacing any failed bulbs straight away.
3. Watch your wipers: Worn-out wipers can turn a sudden storm into a blurry windscreen in a split second. Check them regularly for splits or smearing, and replace blades that are past their best.
4. Beware battery health: Winter weather makes your car battery work harder, because heaters, wipers and demisters all demand more power. If the engine is slow to start or the dashboard dims, it may be a good idea to have it tested to avoid being stranded on a cold winter morning.
5. Fill up fluid levels: Cold weather puts extra strain on cars, so check your key fluid levels as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so. Engine oil, coolant and brake fluid are essential to make your car run safely and reliably. Top up screen wash with a winter-grade formula to help prevent freezing, and if coolant or brake fluid is low, check your handbook to see how to top up, or arrange for a professional inspection rather than guessing.
6. Keep an emergency kit on board: Winter weather can leave drivers stranded for longer than expected, so keep a small emergency kit in the car like this one Go.Compare recommends. It should contain a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, warm clothes, a blanket, torch, phone charger, water, snacks, de-icer, shovel and a basic first-aid kit. Keeping these essentials in your boot will make an unexpected delay far safer and more manageable.
Steve concluded, “Recent storms have shown how quickly driving conditions can change. Taking a little time now to get your car winter-ready can reduce the risk of an avoidable breakdown and help keep you, your passengers and other road users safe if conditions deteriorate.”
“It’s also worth checking that your breakdown insurance policy is up to date, that you understand what level of assistance it provides, and that you have the provider’s contact details saved in your phone in case of emergency.”
To find out more about breakdown cover visit https://www.gocompare.com/breakdown-cover/
For more information about what to put in an emergency winter car kit visit https://www.gocompare.com/breakdown-cover/guide/car-emergency-breakdown-kit/