Is your car ready for winter driving?

The Met Office has issued a weather warning of rain and sleet leading to icy roads affecting Bristol this weekend.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has recommended that people who have to drive in these conditions follow this safety advice:

• Make sure your windows are clear and that you have all-round visibility before you set off. Also take the time to clear snow off the roof of your car.
• When driving in snow, get your speed right - not too fast that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it.
• Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs. Stay in a higher gear for better control, and if it is slippery, in a manual car move off in a higher gear, rather than just using first.
• If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer.
• Only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble. Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front so you are not relying on your brakes to be able to stop.
• It’s better to think ahead as you drive to keep moving, even if it is at walking pace.
• Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted.
• Bends are a particular problem in slippery conditions – slow down before you get to the bend, so that by the time you turn the steering wheel you have already lost enough speed.
• On a downhill slope get your speed low before you start the descent, and do not let it build up – it is much easier to keep it low than to try and slow down once things get slippery.

Despite milder weather today, the cold snap is predicted to return tomorrow and last well into next week so it might be time to make sure your car is up to winter driving. 

Windscreen wipers need to be in good condition, and it’s worth checking the lights and the tyres - the legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but less than 3mm is not ideal in wintry weather.

You may also need to top up the washer fluid. You can pick up cans of de-icer and ice scrapers at places like Motoman on East Street, and they often run special winter promotions on products such as de-icer, anti-freeze and screen wash.

If, like me, you wouldn’t have the first idea where to start when it comes to cars, you might be better off letting a garage check it over for you.

As a woman, I’m always suspicious of being ripped off by garages, but female friends of mine have been impressed by the service at Udalls, off St John’s Lane. Several of my friends have used this garage and been told that their cars don’t need certain work doing – always a good sign!

Looking at the reviews in the BedminsterPeople business directory, another garage that has been recommended – no job too small! – is Beauley Motor Services.

Other local garages include Autocare, Smyth Road Garage, Luckwell Garage and Car Tek. Car Tek is offering a voucher via BedminsterPeople at the moment: if you have a full service, an MOT is only £30. If you have used any of these garages, please review them briefly in the business directory to let other local people know what they are like.