De-icing the windows of your vehicle is not enough to ensure a safe drive in the current freezing weather conditions. Firefighters in Wilmslow have issued a warning after witnessing an incident while on duty.
The driver of a Mini had made sure the windscreen of their car was clear but it did not stop a close shave after they left the roof snow-topped. As the vehicle braked the snow shot off the roof blocking the windscreen.
In a post Wilmlsow Fire Station published a picture of the car and said: “With the wintery weather still effecting Wilmslow overnight, this is just a reminder to make sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions if you do drive anywhere. Make sure your car is completely clear of snow before setting off, even the roof – which will help stop situations like this happening! Don’t just clear a small patch of your windscreen!”
A recent survey found that 17 percent of drivers don’t have an ice scraper in their cars, 36 percent don’t have access to a spare tyre and 43 percent don’t carry a first aid kit with them. A quarter of motorists have absolutely nothing stowed in readiness for bad weather.
Richard Evans, spokesperson for webuyanycar, the online car-buying service, revealed the impact the cold snap could have on your vehicle if drivers are unprepared, and the essential items you need in your vehicle to weather the storm.
The post about the dangers of driving a snow-topped car issued by Wilmslow Fire Station
“Firstly, your car battery capacity will likely reduce and your car will take longer to start. The cold will also thicken all the fluids in your vehicle, leaving the engine oil, antifreeze and transmission fluid too viscous to move. This can cause wider issues if the car can no longer circulate the fluids: a lack of oil means the engine isn’t lubricated, a lack of transmission fluid means you’ll struggle to change gears, and with a lack of coolant, your engine can overheat.
“In extremely cold temperatures, your tyre pressures can also fluctuate. Cold air is denser than warm air, so it takes up less space in your tyres causing them to lose pressure. This can happen by as much as 2 PSI for every 10°C drop in temperature. Your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System light (TPMS) should indicate which specific tyres are low on pressure so that you can check them for any signs of lost pressure before starting your journey
Essential items for drivers to carry in your car this winter:
-
An ice scraper and de-icer: It’s illegal to drive with snow or ice on your windows, roof, or number plate. Make sure you have the tools to keep them clear or risk being fined over £60, as well as gaining three points on your license.
-
An empty fuel can: Keeping an empty fuel can in your boot could get you back on the road quicker if you run out of fuel within walking distance of a petrol station.
-
Hi-vis jacket and a warning triangle: Whilst not a legal requirement in the UK, it’s a sensible idea to keep reflective warning triangles in your car, so that you can notify other drivers if you break down.
-
Jump leads and shovel for self-rescue: Sometimes, you won’t need to wait for breakdown assistance; you can simply get yourself back on the road. For example, if your car has broken down because of a flat battery, you can get a jump start from another driver. So, make sure you keep a set of jump leads. A sturdy shovel is another handy self-help tool that you can use to dig your car out of deep snow
Mr Evans suggests four tips for drivers to prepare themselves for journeys on icy roads.
-
Accelerate, brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of skidding.
-
Leave 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front.
-
Stay in a higher gear as this will help your vehicle to grip better on packed ice.
-
If you find yourself skidding, try not to panic and don’t slam on the brakes. Just ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid until you regain traction.