Table of Contents
Winter is Coming: Utilise these Winter Car Essentials
Winter Car Service: Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape
Driving in a Winter Wonderland: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Warm and Protected This Winter!
Winter driving in the UK can be challenging, with breakdowns on UK roads increasing by increasing by 22% over the past four years with 68,893 being recorded between November 2023 and January 2024 alone. These statistics underscore why it is of the utmost importance to prepare your car for winter. Therefore, our comprehensive guide is essential reading for all drivers on the road this winter.
As providers of specialist car insurance, Acorn Insurance understand the unique challenges winter driving presents and why performing regular winter car checks can be invaluable. That’s why we’ve compiled this detailed seasonal guide, packed with useful tips and important information to keep you safe and mobile during the winter months.
Winter is Coming: Utilise these Winter Car Essentials
Winter can be tough on your vehicle. Imagine being stranded outside your house or by the roadside because your car won’t start. To avoid such scenarios, planning your journey and performing a winter car check is crucial. Here are some key winter car checks and accessories to consider when you prepare your car for winter:
- Antifreeze: Ensure your radiator has the correct mix of water and antifreeze to prevent engine damage and costly repairs.
- Wiper Blades: Replace worn wiper blades to maintain clear visibility, especially with road salt buildup.
- Windscreen Washer Fluid: Use winter-specific washer fluid to prevent freezing and maintain visibility.
- Replacement Bulbs: Regularly check and replace light bulbs to ensure safe driving in the dark.
- Oil Levels: Keep oil levels topped up to ensure optimal engine performance.
- Battery: Ensure your battery can handle the increased load from heaters, lights, and wipers.
- Tyres: Check for wear and maintain correct tyre pressure to ensure safety and performance.
Winter Car Service: Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape
Winter can be harsh on your vehicle, but you can minimize the risk of breakdowns and ensure a smooth ride by getting a comprehensive service before the cold sets in. Here are the key areas to ask your mechanic to focus on:
- Alternator/Alternator Belt Replacement: The alternator keeps your battery charged and powers your vehicle’s electrical systems. A worn-out belt can lead to battery failure, so make sure it’s in good condition.
- Wing Mirror Glass: Clear visibility is crucial, especially in winter. Ensure your wing mirrors are intact and free from cracks to maintain a clear view of the road and other vehicles.
- Starter Motor: Cold weather can be tough on your starter motor. Have it checked to ensure your car starts reliably every time, even on the chilliest mornings.
- Coil Spring: These are essential for your vehicle’s suspension system. Winter potholes and rough roads can damage coil springs, so inspect them for wear and tear to maintain a smooth and safe ride.
- Battery: Your battery works harder in winter to power your car’s heating and lighting systems. Test its charge and replace it if necessary to avoid getting stranded in the cold.
By addressing these critical areas, you’ll be better prepared to face winter’s challenges and keep your vehicle running smoothly all season long.
Prepare your car for winter with the ultimate winter car kit
The old adage goes, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” At Acorn, we believe in turning potential disasters into mere inconveniences. That’s why we’ve crafted the ultimate winter car kit, packed with essentials that can make all the difference in an emergency. Don’t get caught unprepared — prepare your car for winter by gearing up with our lifesaving kit and face any winter challenge head-on! Essential items include:
- Jacket, gloves, blanket: These items keep you warm if you get stranded in the cold.
- High-vis clothing: Ensures you’re visible to other drivers, especially in low-light conditions.
- Torch: Helps you see and be seen in the dark.
- Scraper: Essential for clearing ice from your windscreen.
- De-icer: Quickly melts ice on your windows and locks.
- In-car charger/power bank: Keeps your phone charged for emergencies.
- Jump leads: Useful for jump-starting your car if the battery dies.
With these items, you’ll be ready to tackle any winter driving challenge.
Driving in a Winter Wonderland: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are five frequently asked questions about winter driving and car insurance in the UK:
- Is it illegal to drive with snow on my car? Yes, it is illegal to drive with snow on your car if it obstructs your visibility or poses a potential danger to other road users by falling off.
- Does my car insurance cover accidents caused by winter weather? Generally, comprehensive car insurance policies cover accidents caused by winter weather, but it’s always best to check the specifics of your policy.
- What should I do if my car breaks down in winter conditions? Ensure you have breakdown cover as part of your insurance. Keep a winter survival kit in your car, including items like a fully charged mobile phone, warm clothing, and a torch.
- Are there any special driving techniques for icy or snowy roads? Yes — drive slowly, use higher gears to maintain control, and keep a greater distance from other vehicles as stopping distances can be up to ten times longer.
- Will my insurance be invalid if I drive during a severe weather warning? No, your insurance will still be valid if you drive during a severe weather warning, but it’s advisable to avoid driving unless necessary.
Stay Warm and Protected This Winter!
Don’t get left out in the cold — enquire about a no-obligation motor insurance quotation from Acorn Insurance today! Since 1982, we’ve been dedicated to providing specialist private car insurance policies for UK motorists. Don’t run the potential risk of being caught out with insufficient coverage. Contact us today and discover how Acorn Insurance can provide peace of mind during the chilly winter season.
Need breakdown cover? Snow problem!
At Acorn Insurance we understand that winter can be a daunting time for drivers and why it’s vital you take the time to prepare your car for winter. With students returning home from university and long-distance road trips to visit friends and family we all need to ensure we’re properly protected this time of year. Enjoy complete peace of mind with Acorn Insurance’s optional breakdown cover, which includes:
- Doorstep and Roadside Assistance: Help is just a call away, whether you’re at home or on the road.
- Vehicle Recovery/Onward Transportation: We’ll ensure you and your vehicle get to your destination safely.
- Message Relay to Friends and Family: We’ll keep your loved ones informed, so you don’t have to worry.
Contact our friendly team now at 01704 339 000 for any questions or assistance.