Winter driving comes with its own mythology. People have all sorts of ideas of what to do when the weather gets cold. However, many of these are misguided, unhelpful or simply wrong. In fact, many common winter driving ideas are likely to make the situation worse overall. Instead of following the received wisdom, here’s what you should actually be doing.
Icy Windscreens
You have probably seen people desperately trying to clear their iced over windscreens quickly. Perhaps they are late for work, or simply can’t wait for the screen to clear. Either way, you might see them pouring the contents of their boiling kettle over their windscreen. The ice will definitely melt, but the extreme change of temperature is liable to make the screen crack. This is not worth the time saved. Instead, try and stop ice forming on your windscreen at all, with a frost protecting screen.
Tyre Pressure
Some people argue that reducing the pressure in your tires makes them better equipped to drive on snow and ice. This might seem like it makes sense – after all, you don’t want the wheels to slip on the ice. However, it is simply untrue. Reducing tyre pressure actually reduces your car’s grip on the road, so should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you keep your tyres properly inflated with a foot pump.
Open Windows
If your side windows are frozen over, you might think that putting them down and away from the ice might be the best way to clear them. However, if they are truly frozen over, this might do more harm than good. Straining the motor of your windows might break it, and force could actually break the glass. Instead, just de-ice your windows normally. It might take longer, but it shouldn’t damage your car.
Clear Snow
Winter driving gives you a lot to think about. This means that there are plenty of things to forget about. Perhaps the most obvious of these, but the most often forgotten, is the snow itself. The Highway Code says that you should not have large amounts of snow on your windscreen or roof. However, you see many people driving in this state. The police can fine you for having too much snow on your car, so make sure you brush it off before you set off.
GAP Insurance protects the value of your car if something unexpected happens, such as it is written off or stolen. While you can do your best to prepare for winter driving, accidents do happen. GAP Insurance makes sure that you get the value you paid for your car, not its current value as your insurers may give you. Get a quote today with GAP Insurance Today.