Get ready for Winter Motoring

As the first flutterings of snow and ice are seen across parts of the UK and Ireland, with worse weather forecast, Goodyear Tyres are reminding motorists to take care when driving.

Driving in inclement weather can be very stressful, particularly when snow and ice block ungritted roads. Goodyear is reminding motorists of some key winter driving tips to prepare them for the forecasted weather:

Preparing the car

Tyres – during winter your car should be fitted with winter tyres. Excellent performance at low temperatures, on wet, slush, snow and ice are what winter tyres are designed for. If you are not fitting winter tyres, checking that your tyre pressures and tread depth are correct and well within the legal limit of 1.6mm will assist with driving in bad weather.

Check, check, check! Check the belts, hoses and fluid levels before departure. It is wise to keep an extra container of antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid in your car.

Don’t get stuck – If you will be entering regions with extreme winter conditions, such as travelling abroad, make sure that you fit winter tyres to your vehicle or have snow chains onboard.

Winter equipment – Keep a snowbrush and ice scraper in the car. Have a second scraper handy as they break easily when you’re dealing with ice. A small shovel may be helpful if you are expecting lots of snow.

Be ready – Keep vital emergency gear in the car. A warm blanket, sufficient water and food, a torch, phone charger and additional warm clothing can help you get through an emergency breakdown, a night stranded in a storm or hours in a traffic jam.

Winterize your car – make sure your car is in tip-top condition: that all windows inside and out are clean, that all lights work, that the number plate is clearly visible.

Kate Rock, Goodyear’s PR Manager said: “Many motorists get caught out during inclement weather as their cars are unprepared for snow, ice and the cold weather. Following Goodyear’s simple measures should ensure a less stressful driving experience in the cold weather.

A number of motorists across the UK and Ireland are now fitting winter tyres to their vehicles to truly ensure their cars are winter proof. Winter tyres work best in temperatures under 7 degrees and we are already well below this temperature in many regions.  Be prepared before making a journey, particularly when snow is forecast.”