Okay, so you would never think it with our current good weather but winter is upon us and todays  blog will give you some tips to ensure safe driving throughout the “birr” season. I did lots of internet research and it seems that if we we spend a little time preparing our cars for the cold season it can really pay off. I am very lucky to be driving a spanking new 20111 Alfa Romeo Giulietta but some of the practical tips will apply to me also. I know how horrible it is if you are caught unprepared in awful weather. Last winter I spent six hours stuck at East Wall in Dublin. I was five months pregnant at the time and there were articulated lorries skidding all around me. Very scary.

All cars needs extra preparation to cope well with winter weather. Winter driving conditions also mandate driving differently. Snow and ice need to be taken s­eriously and prepared for. After the horrendous weather last December make sure this year that your car is as prepared as you are. Going the extra mile by getting your vehicle ready for winter and learning what it takes to drive safely through ice and snow could save your life.

Below are a few simple tips from www.howstuffworks.com which could keep your car running all winter long. Bad weather conditions can cause havoc on the roads for motorists. With the Christmas period just around the corner, many of us will be travelling longer distances than usual to visit friends and family.

• Get your car serviced - Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following: battery antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, breaks and defroster. Fixing any mechanical problems now will hopefully reduce the risk you will break down at a later date.

• Check to make sure your tyres have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace them. Pump up your tyres. To help lower the risk of skidding, check both your car’s tyre condition and pressure are correct before you drive. The current legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but during the winter months it is a sensible idea to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth.

• Look after your lights. Dark mornings and dark evenings can make driving extremely dangerous. It is therefore crucial to ensure all your lights are clean and working properly. Always replace any broken bulbs immediately. Make sure the front and rear lights are working, especially the car’s flashing hazard lights.

• Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Instead of toughing it out until spring, exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions.

• Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.

• Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car’s paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new.

A winter accident could leave you stuck on the side of the road. Packing your car with a few essentials will help keep you safe and ready for whatever conditions occur on your trip.

• Keep the diesel/petrol tank at least half full throughout the winter. This will reduce condensation, making your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings.

• Make sure your mobile it’s charged and bring it with you. A car charger for the phone is also a smart device to keep in the car.

• Always store a snow/ice scraper in your car. A first-aid kit is another must-have item to keep on hand.  I have mine in the handy, accessible side compartment in the boot. It should include all the usual items plus winter extras like flashlights, a fresh supply of batteries, blankets, matches, extra clothes, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Peanuts and granola bars are good protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods. Honestly my experience getting stuck in the snow last year would have been much easier If I had food/something to drink with me.

• Clear off your car each time you go out for maximum visibility. Don’t forget the hood, roof, and your head and taillights. I nearly crashed last year when someone in front of me lost the foot and a half of show they had on their roof.

• Before you go, listen to the radio for announcements about accidents, road closings, and road advisories.

• Plan your route ahead of time to avoid any roads that become dangerous during bad weather. If a road is closed or blocked, do not attempt to continue on this route.

• Let someone know your route so if you do become stranded, your family can let authorities know where to start looking.

LEARN HOW TO HANDLE A SKID!!

• Use gentle impulses while driving: accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early. Avoid unexpected quick movements that could put you in a spin by leaving ample room between you and the next car. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur. Don’t go too slow. Your car will need some momentum to push through heavier snow without getting stuck.

• Steer clear of trucks. They are heavier than cars and need considerably longer stopping distances. Their tyres also tend to spray snow and rain into parallel lanes, further hindering your visibility. I have first hand experience of this and it is very scary.

• See and be seen. Always keep your lights on while driving through rain, snow, and fog.

DRIVE SAFELY !! That meeting, creche pick up, appointment etc can wait.

Get there safely! ARRIVE ALIVE!

Todays great driving sone is one that reminds me of driving through snow. It was used in a great Coors light ad campaign in Ireland. The music is ‘Type A Jitters’ by Saso taken from their second album ‘I Can Do Nice’. I love it and I think it suits the wintery weather. One for driving to when the Giulietta is in All Weather mode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU4xz4Ua0xs&feature=colike

http://youtu.be/jU4xz4Ua0xs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU4xz4Ua0xs

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