How to Stay Safe on the Roads This Winter

 

Winter weather can pose significant risks to road users. In this article, the B&M car care team provides tips on how to stay safe on the roads, including reminders to:

• Check your tyre conditions
• Keep up regular car maintenance
• Invest in antifreeze
• Check your wiper blades
• Put together a winter car kit

Heavy rain, ice and snow can make road surfaces treacherous, while the components of your car can degrade in cold winter weather, but there are a number of things that will help you stay safe on the roads. 

We’ve put together a few tips for driving during the winter months, helping to keep you and other road users from running into trouble. Read on to find out how to stay safe on the roads during the coldest season.

Check your Tyre Conditions

Worn or deflated tyres can affect stopping distances even in perfect driving conditions - so the effect is many times worse when driving in snow or on black ice.

Your tyres need to be able to grip the road surface properly, so it’s important to check your treads regularly in winter. 

Your car should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, and tyres should be inflated to the PSI stated in your owner’s manual.

Keep up Regular Car Maintenance

It’s important to keep your engine running smoothly, your brakes fully functional and your lights working perfectly. It’s a good idea to get your car professionally checked as the weather begins to get colder, so that any existing problems can be fixed.

Invest in Antifreeze

Keep antifreeze for your engine, aerosol or spray-bottle de-icer, de-icing screenwash and a good ice scraper to hand at all times. Not only can icy weather ruin your visibility, but it can also cause severe damage to the inner workings of your vehicle, freezing water and thickening oil.

 

B&M Top Tip: Stop your interiors from getting cold by using heated cushions, and keep the seats protected - even if you’re cold, muddy or soggy - by investing in special seat protectors.

Check your Wiper Blades

Windscreen wipers can become clogged up or damaged by salt and grit from slushy roads, which is likely to cause a major issue with visibility.

Make sure they are in great condition by checking them regularly and replacing them when required.

B&M Top Tip: Protect visibility further by keeping screenwash topped up, carrying anti-fog wipes and shielding your windscreen with a specialist cover when parked.

Put Together a Winter Car Kit

It may seem unlikely, but an emergency situation on the road can arise out of nowhere. That’s why you should always carry emergency equipment with you. This kit should include:

• A warning triangle
• Booster cables
• A first aid kit
• A blanket
• Spare headlight bulbs
• Rock salt
• Snacks
• Bottled water

B&M Top Tip: Full-beam headlights can blind the driver of the vehicle in front even in low visibility. Always use dipped headlights when sharing a stretch of road, and put fog lights on if you can’t see well.

To stay safe on the road this winter, simply keep on top of tyre conditions and vehicle maintenance, get hold of antifreeze and de-icer, look after your wipers and make sure you are well-stocked with emergency equipment and supplies.

Browse our winter car care range for other handy tools and pieces of equipment to help you stay safe.

How do you prepare for a winter road trip? Share your advice with the B&M Community via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!