How to keep your car safe
This is a collaborative post.
As the colder weather comes in, you need to make sure that your car is safe. The roads can be treacherous, especially if it is the bad winter that is being predicted.
So many more accidents happen in the winter, so here are some great tips to help you to keep your car safe this winter. Keeping your car safe this winter keeps you and your family safe as you travel in it.
Check Your Tires
Probably the most important thing to check on your car before the winter sets in. You need to have road-worthy tires to keep yourself and other drivers safe.
One way to check that there is enough tread on your tires is to slot a 20p piece in the tire and make sure it comes to the top of 20p writing. This means there is enough tread on your tires.
When you are checking your tires, you also need to remember to check the spare tire in the boot. You don’t want to be caught out when you get a flat tire. If you need new tires, always buy new ones from a reputable company.
As new tires provide good traction, which is necessary for braking and acceleration. Before you make any decision it is important to contact your car mechanic to get an estimate for the right repair or replacement for your car or research reviews of top tire brands which will be a great help to decide which one to choose.
Some car drivers in European countries often put snow chains on their tires to help them stay safer in the winter.
Make Sure You Get The Right Insurance Coverage
As more car accidents happen in the winter, you need to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage. To get a quote for your car, give them a ring and they will be able to insure your car with help of the DVLA.
If your car is imported, it won’t be registered with DVLA. Every car has a vehicle identification number (VIN) which is a 17-digit number. This is found on the chassis of the car. But can you find car insurance quotes with just the VIN? The answer is yes. You can use this number until your car is registered in the UK and you get the permanent insurance.
Give It A Check Over Before The Cold Weather Sets In
It is not just the tires that need checking, although they can be the difference between life and death. You also need to check the whole car over.
You can book it into a garage to get it checked over, or you could save some money and do it yourself. A list of the things to check for in your car before winter is
- Check the wiper blades and screenwash, you need to keep your windows clean and clear. If the wipers need replacing, this can easily be done yourself.
- Pop some anti-freeze in your engine. This will stop the coolant water from freezing. If it freezes over, it won’t be able to cool the engine down if it gets too hot.
- Do your lights work properly? Clean them so that people can see them properly in the dark, and replace any light bulbs that need replacing.
- Check electrics and replace any fuses that are not working.
- Fill the oil, this is really easy for you to do yourself.
Have a box in the boot with some extra things in there, that you might need.
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Spare bulbs
- Jump leads
- Reflective warning triangle – ideally two
- water
- Sunglasses
- Oil
- In-car phone charger – and a portable battery charger
- Coolant
- Antifreeze
- Blanket
Is Your Car Ready For Winter
So are you ready to start driving in the winter? If you haven’t done it yet, you need to get started soon. Before you head out somewhere for the day, make sure you put enough petrol in the car.
You do not want to find yourself stranded somewhere in a rain or snowstorm. Also pop some snacks, drinks, warm clothes like jumpers, a lighter, torch and high vis jacket in a box or a bag. Just in case you do find yourself stuck somewhere.