In more recent decades the UK has experienced what most would consider mild winters, however in the past few years things appear to be changing. The last few years have seen unprecedented cold weather and heavy amounts of snow hit Great Britain to a level many have never witnessed in their lifetimes. This freezing weather and thick snow has had a significant impact on the economy and infrastructure of the island. Of the many inhabitants of GB, it is perhaps motorists that are hardest hit when this harsh weather comes, with thousands getting stranded for long periods of time. Here are a few things that as a motorist you can do to prepare yourself for this coming winter.
Tyres
Tyres are one of the most important aspects to consider when going for a drive in the snow. In other European countries where snow is frequent, winter preparations far exceed those made here in Great Britain. Snow-tyres or ‘winter wheels’ are common place and the populations are adjusted to driving in the white stuff. Winter tyres which offer more tread and therefore grip are becoming more and more popular here and some who live in rural areas are even beginning to use snow chains on their tyres to get about. Some say that reducing the pressure in your tyres marginally will allow for better traction when diving in snow and ice; however it’s worth doing further research before implementing this. Tyres should have at least 3mm of tread for safe winter driving.
Essentials for Your Car
Before you head out into the snow, whether on the way to work, or to the shops, it’s always worth checking a few important things on your vehicle. Firstly check for Antifreeze, this should be present in both your engine coolant and windscreen wiper fluid. This is an important essential to winter driving as temperatures are often so cold that sleet and snow will refreeze to your windscreen on occasion.
If you get caught in extremely freezing weather, or are intending on leaving your car over night at your destination, then make sure that your locks will not freeze you out by using a lubricant such as WD-40. Additionally grease up the seals with Vaseline or likewise to stop the metal aspects of the door and body freezing together.
Keeping a tow rope in your boot may come in handy, especially if you were to get into difficulties and a passing motorist with a tow-bar would lend a helping hand. Other hardware that will certainly come in handy would be a shovel and jump leads, as well as some rock salt which you can use to melt snow around your tyres in a drift.
Essentials for You
On occasion, through no fault of your own, you may find yourself stranded in the snow. This could be due to an increase in adverse weather or even traffic, but the reality is you could be stuck for hours and in the worst case scenario have to sleep in, or abandon
your vehicle. There are some excellent things that you can keep with you to make yourself more comfortable and maximise your chances to get out of the snow and safely home.
In your boot you should pack extra sets of warm clothes like an extra hoody, a woollen scarf and hat made from a thick wool like King Cole DK which will not only keep you warm but dry quickly also. A can of de-ice and a ice scraper can be used to clear your windows if they were to freeze up.
Food! When is it not a good idea to stock up on food and drink? Keeping aside some provisions in your boot can pay dividends when you become stuck or delayed. Foods such as chocolate bars are high energy and can be great to keep in your tuck box as well as a flask of tea or hot chocolate.
Citations:
For an excellent selection of yarns fit for winter warming including
King Cole DK head to Yarnfest’s online shop.