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Fleet Insider: Winter Driving and Safety Guide

Winter Driving ChecklistKeeping an emergency kit in your car throughout winter, especially if you’re going on a long journey, can keep you warm, or get you moving if you're stuck. It may seem unnecessary - but take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight or for several hours, due to a snow storm or floods. How would you stay warm? What would you eat and drink? If you must drive in extreme conditions, we recommend you carry the following items in your vehicle:

Winter Driving TipsThe winter months are here. To help you get through them safely, we’ve gathered these tips designed to keep your vehicle in working order, along with a checklist of emergency kit just in case you do break down.

Keep your fuel tank fullMake sure you keep enough fuel in your tank forthe journey you are making, with some to spare. This will ensure you can keep the heating on if youare stuck in the snow or in long traffic queues.During this time of year it is a balance between driving efficiently – normally, driving on a full-tankdecreases fuel efficiency – and being safe.

Look after your washer bottleMake sure you use the right proportion of water to screen wash, to prevent it from freezing and keep your car from blowing a fuse.

Check the frost on your wipersKeep the windscreen and other windows clear. Make sure you have some de-icer or an ice scraper, don’t use hot water to clear your windscreen, it could crack! Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows as this can fall ontothe windscreen, obscuring your view. It can be a hazard to other road users as well.

Don’t leave your car running and unattendedThere have been many news stories about unsuspecting motorists having their vehicles stolen while they were busy de-icing the outside of their car. If your car is stolen as a result of leaving it unattended with the keys, you may invalidate your insurance.

Have your battery checkedBatteries have to work extra hard in the cold and are more likely to fail. We would suggest getting your battery checked at an approved repair centre.

Check your tyresMake time to check tyre pressures, tyre tread andthe spare. Consider fitting winter tyres - but, even if you don’t, have your summer tyres checked. For safe driving in winter, your tyres should have no less than 3mm tread depth. Don’t reduce tyre pressure to get more grip, it doesn’t work and it reduces stability.

Check your lights (front, back, sides)Remember to check and clean your lights weekly to ensure you are visible at all times.

Drive carefully in poor conditionsWhen driving in snow, rain, high winds and other poor conditions, take your time, anticipate the road and traffic ahead of you, avoid puddles and keep your distance from other vehicles.

Check the weather forecastBefore setting off on your journey, make sure you have checked the route, listened to traffic reports and looked at the weather forecast.

Have breakdown coverEnsure that you are signed up to a roadside rescue service.

BlanketYou would be surprised how quickly the temperature drops if the engine is not running.

TorchCould mean the difference between being stuck and finding the fault to get on your way.

First aid kitA well stocked first aid kit with all the basics to deal with minor injuries.

Tow ropeYou never know when a passing motorist might be able to help you out, but only if you have one of these. Equally you may be able to help someone else.

De-icing equipmentEnsure you have a window scraper and de-icer in the car.

In-car mobile phone chargerCould be a life saver if you need to make an urgent call.

Tyre pumpImagine turning the despair of finding a flat spare tyre into the sheer relief of knowing it can be pumped up to save you being stranded.

MapsCarry a map in your car, even if you have a SatNav or Smartphone.

Spare bulbsThese may get you out of trouble, but make sure you can fit them yourself otherwise they are simply extra fragile baggage.

Jump leadsJust like the tow rope, having these could mean a passing motorist can help you on your way.

High visibility vest and hazard warning triangleWhether you are stuck on a country lane or a motorway hard-shoulder, you must ensure other drivers can easily see both you and your car.

ShovelIn case you need to dig yourself out of trouble.

Warm clothes and wellington bootsIf you have to leave the car.

Emergency rationsHigh energy snacks are ideal, as is a hot drink in a flask (non-alcoholic of course!).

HandbookEnsure you have the manufacturer’s manual/handbook in the car

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