How to Prepare for Driving in Heavy Rain & Wintery Conditions

Driving in Heavy Rain

How to Prepare for Driving in Heavy Rain & Wintery Conditions

When driving in heavy rain and wintery conditions it is essential that both you and your car are prepared properly, to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

According to the RAC, it is always advisable to consider before you set off whether your journey is essential. If not, can it be delayed until after the rain has subsided? If so then plan your journey in advance, taking care to avoid areas which are prone to flooding, and factor in extra time to allow for slower speeds and potential congestion. It is also a good idea to let relatives and friends know your intended route and expected time of arrival and where possible, travel with others.

Before You Set Off

  • Check that your windscreen wiper blades are fully functional. If both front and back blades are not up to scratch, get them replaced.
  • On an older vehicle, it might be advisable to upgrade to so-called ‘aero’ wipers, which are more effective at removing water from the windscreen, particularly at speed
  • Try to fill up with fuel before you travel, as getting stuck in traffic will increase your fuel consumption – Remember, with the lights, heater and wipers switched on, your fuel economy will be reduced even further
  • Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up to date with road closures, flooding and forecasts
  • Carry a mobile phone in case you encounter any difficulties during your journey
  • Check that your tyres are of the recommended legal tyre tread depth so you can be sure you have a safe amount of grip on the roads.

Quick Winter Driving Checks Before A Journey – Remember FORCES

An easy way to remember the basic checks you need to need to carry out on your car before a wintery journey is be using the acronym FORCES:

Fuel

  • Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for your journey.

Oil

  • You should check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick and top up if necessary.

Rubber

  • Check your tyres and your wiper blades before you set off.

Coolant

  • Check your car’s coolant level. The last thing you need is a frozen engine or for your car to overheat.

Electrics

  • Check your lights – they are essential for you to see and be seen.

Screen Wash

  • Check your screen wash level and top up with a quality screen wash additive or pre-mix which is effective down to at least -15 degrees Celsius.

Free Winter Car Check at Autofit Garage Chorley

If you would like your car checked over for you to ensure it is safe for your next winter journey, call Autofit Garage Chorley on 01257 267 829 and we will be happy to inspect your car for you free of charge.

Autofit Garage Chorley; helping to keep both you and your car safe this winter.