We’ve put together some of our hottest tips to help get you through the winter season, so you can get to where you need to go safely.
Here at Rubis, we all know that mornings on a good day can be hectic. Finding your windscreen frosted over first thing in the morning is the last thing that you need. So, we’ve put together some of our hottest tips to help get you through the winter season, so you can get to where you need to go safely.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
You can plan ahead to save your morning rush by checking potential weather warnings here the night before (Guernsey & Jersey Weather Forecast). If it’s a little frosty you can prepare by putting a windscreen cover on the night before.
During your preparations, we suggest making sure you have a screen wash bottle filled with a good quality screen wash de-icer that will go down to at least -20. As normal screen wash can damage wind screen rubbers, however most modern vehicles have bonded windscreens.
We highly recommend inspecting your front and rear windscreen wipers and replacing any that may have cracked rubber to help optimise your visibility. It’s really important, especially when the road is wet to check your tire treads as they help to prevent you from slipping and sliding out of control; which can lead to unforeseen collisions. While your car is in for its yearly service it’s best to get your antifreeze checked and topped up to ensure your car works efficiently in winter.
Time
During poor weather conditions plan out a safe route and reduce your speed.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to clear your screen thoroughly by using a scraper and de-icer. Ensure you make time for your windows, mirrors and even lights as visibility is imperative for your own and others safety. Ideally spray it on the outside of your frozen window screen and use a proper scraper to wipe away any ice.
Note that journeys may take longer than normally expected in poor weather conditions.
Poor Weather Warnings
Beware of black ice. Especially while you’re driving down the country lanes, it can be near on impossible to see the crystal-clear glaze. Black ice tends to form in the shadows of tall buildings, where the sun can’t hit it. That’s why, in bad weather, you should start slowing down and increasing your stopping distance well before stop signs and lights.
We highly recommend assessing driving conditions before taking off. If it’s not good for driving then you can make the decision of if your journey is really necessary.
Quick solutions may not always be the best solutions
Whatever you do, DO NOT use a kettle of boiling hot water over your windows to melt away the ice. This can lead to you cracking your windows. Leaving you with a very expensive bill.
There are even more top tips for winter driving which can be found on the RAC website.
