The RAC has shared a simple piece of advice that could help you prepare for driving in icy conditions
Navigating icy roads during cold weather can be intimidating. But the RAC has shared straightforward guidance to help drivers maintain control and ensure their vehicles are winter-ready.
The motoring organisation’s advice revolves around a single word – ‘FORCES’. This straightforward acronym outlines six crucial checks that all drivers should complete before embarking on a journey. “Cold conditions over the winter can exacerbate any underlying mechanical problems with your car and even lead to a breakdown,” recent advice from the RAC has explained.
“We’d rather stop our members breaking down in the first place than have them suffer the inconvenience of being stuck at the side of the road, so we have devised a list of things to look out for to help prevent the more avoidable breakdowns.”
Understanding the ‘FORCES’ principle
1. F represents fuel. Whilst keeping your tank filled is always important, winter weather may result in more frequent stops and starts caused by ice or heavier traffic. Such conditions increase fuel consumption, making it vital to verify you have sufficient fuel before departure.
2. O represents oil. Likewise, motorists must always confirm adequate oil levels before taking to the roads. Oil is crucial for ensuring that engine components run smoothly and helps prevent breakdowns.
3. R stands for rubber. Before heading out, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and tread. This will help ensure that your car maintains good grip in icy weather.
4. C stands for coolant. Coolant serves a dual purpose: preventing the engine from overheating whilst also guarding against freezing in cold temperatures. Keeping levels topped up is therefore essential.
5. E stands for electrics. Brake lights, fog lamps, and indicators become particularly important during wintry conditions when visibility may be compromised. Verify they’re functioning properly before venturing onto the roads.
6. S stands for screenwash. Finally, ensuring your windscreen washer reservoir remains topped up is vital. During colder spells, a more concentrated mixture is necessary.
For more information, head to the RAC’s website here.
How to de-ice a car safely
De-icing your vehicle can be time-intensive, though there are methods to expedite the process. The RAC recommends using a scraper in conjunction with de-icing spray, although homemade alternatives can be equally effective.
This can be as straightforward as mixing water with a teaspoon of salt or creating a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. The RAC adds: “Don’t wait until the first frost before discovering you have run out of de-icer: plan ahead.
“Squirt the de-icer over the windscreen, before clearing the ice with a scraper. It’s also worth lifting up your wipers by hand to check they are not frozen to the windscreen.”
Those opting to create a homemade de-icing mixture with water should avoid using boiling water. In the worst-case scenario, boiling water could compromise the glass’s integrity, resulting in cracks.
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