The UK is facing yet more very cold and icy weather and possibly more heavy snow falls. At this time of the year it is vital to ensure that a vehicle’s tyres are in good order and with adequate tread depth to deal with poor and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Motorists also need to be aware that snow covered roads can often conceal potholes and road debris that could damage tyres. mytyres.co.uk is offering the following advice to motorists to help stay safe this winter; 1. Check tread depths. The law requires a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, although mytyres.co.uk believes that in the current circumstances motorists should consider changing tyres when they are down to 3.0mm and 4.0mm for winter tyres, the most effective insurance on the roads in winter conditions. 2. Tyre pressures should be set to the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Under no circumstances should tyre pressures be reduced for driving in snow on the road. 3. Check the spare tyre for tread depth and pressure. 4. Clean dirt from around valves and fit valve caps all round to keep salt and water induced corrosion at bay. Driving in snow and ice requires skilful and delicate use of the vehicle controls. Accelerate and brake gently using the gears to reduce speed smoothly and drive in as high a gear as possible to avoid unnecessary wheelspin. If the car gets into a slide, steer out of the skid and keep your feet off the brake and accelerator until the vehicle is back under control. Always keep well clear of other vehicles and try to anticipate what may happen.
One in three motorists admits they will drive this winter without being able to see out of their windscreen properly according to research by Continental Tyres. Researchers found most motorists think they are 'in too much of a rush' to fully defrost their windows and mirrors before heading off to work. It also emerged men are far worse than women at pulling off the driveway while peering through a tiny spot of clear glass at the road ahead. Stopping distances are affected by weather and road conditions and people are six times more likely to have an accident during the winter months. Check your lights, ensure your windscreen and windows are clear, that your brakes are in good condition, your tyres have a minimum of 3mm of tread and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front. It also emerged that four out of ten motorists don't bother cleaning mirrors or rear windows before setting off in the winter. And such is the lack of preparation that one in five have reported to using a credit card to clear the windscreen of ice. The survey suggested that many never put anti-freeze in radiators while four out of ten don't check windscreen washer bottle levels and a similar figure don't bother to check whether their wipers are working properly. A quarter don't even check if their lights are working! Eight in 10 see other motorists on their daily commute who have been too lazy to clear their windscreen, an average of four cars every frosty morning. Tim Bailey from Continental said, “When the temperature drops below 7°C, cold weather tyres which have tread patterns and compounds designed for wintry roads are certainly worth considering. They improve stopping distances in icy, wet and snowy conditions we are currently experiencing. It’s all about being prepared so that you are safe in all eventualities through this winter freeze.”
Snow: Safe Driving Tips
