ADVANCED DRIVING

North Devon Advanced Drivers & Riders - Car Group

WINTER DRIVING - STAYING SAFE

As winter approaches, it is not only the weather and road conditions that change; some of the components of your vehicle will perform differently and so will you.

YOUR VEHICLE AND THE 7 B’s:

Battery. Damp and cold conditions can seriously reduce battery performance. Don’t wait for a cold morning to find out that your engine battery does not work so well anymore, have it checked and if in doubt, replaced. Don’t forget the battery in your key fob, either.

Belts: You need all the power your alternator can supply. Make sure that drive belts are undamaged and properly tensioned.

Brightness: Check that your lights and indicators are working properly and clean them regularly. A small amount of dirt build-up on the lenses can seriously inhibit your ability to see and be seen.

Boots: Running on tyres that are worn may give you adequate grip on a warm dry road but be potentially lethal on rain, ice or snow. Now is the time to consider replacement.

Brakes: Test out your brakes regularly. Don’t wait until you don’t stop in an emergency. At the first sign of any problem, have it corrected.

Boundaries: Keep your windscreens and windows clean inside as well as out. Check your wipers for wear and damage weekly. Use a winter screenwash.

Brrrrr...... Ensure that coolant antifreeze is adequate for expected

conditions. Top up coolant with correctly diluted solution, not plain water.

To be continued .............