Chris Rea may have immortalised the joys of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ in his 1986 classic but the reality for many motorists may be rather more stressful.
Research shows that around 45% of Britons will be travelling to visit friends or family across the festive period and will need to equip themselves for all the challenges posed by winter driving.
Whether it’s the best time to travel, laws around winter tyres or curating a ‘survival kit’ for your passenger area, Jardine Motors have you covered with this winter essentials guide.
Essential Winter checks
Whether you’re driving a small hatchback or a rugged approved used Land Rover, you’re going to want to conduct some pre-travel checks – especially when the mercury plunges below zero.
The RAC recommends following the acronym ‘FORCES’ for winter-driving peace of mind:
– Fuel: First, check you have enough fuel for your journey. Cars generally use more fuel in heavy traffic. Try to fill up before leaving if you can, should you end up “top to toe in tailbacks.” EV drivers should look to pre-heat their cars while still plugged into the charge point.
– Oil: Locate the oil cap and check your oil levels using the dipstick. Make sure to screw the cap back on fully and be wary of overfilling. Your vehicle manual should explain the correct oil to use and how to do this.
– Rubber: Well-maintained tyres are essential in treacherous conditions and provide grip on icy surfaces. Inflate to the recommended tyre pressure as stipulated on your inner driver door or within your car handbook, and ensure your tread depth is appropriate for the conditions. While the legal minimum is 1.6mm, consider something closer to 2mm in Winter. For winter tyres meanwhile, look to replace if the tread depth falls below 4mm. If you live in a particularly hazardous area, consider retreading your tyres for optimal traction.
– Coolant: One of the most important things you can do in winter conditions is to keep your coolant levels topped up. Coolant – a mix of water and anti-freeze – helps to maintain the engine’s temperature all year round. Good quality coolant can keep your engine functioning in sub-zero temperatures and prevent radiator damage.
– Electrics: Statistics show that electrical faults are the leading cause of winter breakdowns across the UK. Car batteries need replacing every few years so ensure you stay on top of your car services. Check your lights and indicators to ensure bulbs and fuses are all working correctly.
– Screen Wash: This needs topping up regularly, especially with the possibility of ice on the windscreen, not to mention grime caused by winter road gritting.
Your motoring survival kit
In addition to these pre-drive checks, it’s wise to assemble a winter car care kit for when the cold snap hits. This should include:
– De-icer and windscreen scraper: Brush clean your windscreen with these glove compartment essentials.
– Warm blankets: In case of an emergency, a thick blanket can keep you warm should you get stuck.
– Sunglasses: To help you drive in low sun conditions – not just a fashion statement.
– Phone chargers or portable power bank: Stay connected (and entertained) in case you need to call for help.
– Reflective warning triangles: Increase visibility to other drivers should you get stranded.
– First aid kit: Including plasters, bandages, painkillers and antiseptic.
– Dried food and snacks: Snacks can help to keep your energy levels up and blood sugars in check. Protein/cereal bars are a great choice here with some water to wash down to keep you hydrated.
– Portable snow shovel: If things really get bad, it’s handy to have a foldable snow shovel on hand to scoop you out of trouble. Clear a path round your car in the morning or dig yourself out should a sudden drift hit.
When is the best time to travel?
The festive period will likely see some of the most heavily congested roads of the year. With Christmas falling on Monday 25th, it’s likely that traffic will be at its worst the preceding weekend whereas a mid-week Christmas can stagger the pre-Christmas rush.
Where possible, look to travel as early as possible to avoid this festive flurry. The last working day before Christmas is often dubbed ‘Frantic Friday’ due to the high number of drivers on the roads. If this is unavoidable due to work or family commitments, look to travel early in the morning or later at night when the roads will be quietest.
Plan your trip accordingly and leave plenty of time for delays. And should the journey really drag, fire up the Christmas tunes to keep you all in the festive spirit.
Conclusion
While festive driving may bring with it some of the most stressful driving conditions of the year, conducting some essential winter checks can make life a lot easier. Pack your glovebox with a motoring survival kit and make sure to set off as early as possible.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!