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RAC > Drive > Advice and guides > Winter driving > How to reduce the chances of
breaking down in cold weather


HOW TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF BREAKING DOWN IN COLD WEATHER



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Jump to a section:Quick winter driving checks before a journeyWhat else to
considerAdvice for towing and motorhomesPreparing for a breakdownWinter driving
tipsDriving in snowDriving in rainDriving in strong windDriving in fogDriving in
low sunAdvanced preparation for next winter

Get ready for driving in cold weather and help stop your car breaking down with
these quick checks.

The RAC sees a sharp increase in the volume of breakdowns when the weather turns
cold, so it’s well worth taking the time to ensure you carry out the right
checks on your car. Any underlying mechanical issues could escalate as
temperatures plummet.

Follow our guide to help avoid breaking down this winter.

Caravan or motorhome driver? Check out our specific advice for towing and
motorhomes.




QUICK WINTER DRIVING CHECKS BEFORE A JOURNEY



We suggest you remember and use the acronym FORCES for the regular ‘DIY checks’
you should carry out through the winter and especially as we head into another
icy blast.

That's Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screen wash


1. FUEL

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

It may sound obvious but you would be surprised how many people run out of fuel
and with temperatures as low as expected you really don’t want get stranded. RAC
Fuel Watch keeps track of the latest petrol and diesel prices. 


2. OIL



Our patrols check the oil level on every vehicle they attend and surprisingly
they find one in three are dangerously low on oil. This can cause a breakdown or
lead to catastrophic engine damage at worst.  

You should check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your
car's dipstick and top up if necessary. Knowing how to check your car's oil is a
vital skill to have - especially when you have broken down in wintery
conditions.

For the type of oil you need to use, you should refer to your owner’s handbook
or speak to your local dealer. 


3. RUBBER



You'll need to check your tyres and your wiper blades before you set off.

Check your tyres for general wear and tear racks, cracks, splits or bulges, and
most importantly, tread depth.

Although the minimum tread level is 1.6mm, during winter it’s advisable to have
3mm of tread on your tyres to help with traction and grip.

Also ensure that you have the correct pressure in your tyres - check your
owner’s handbook for the correct inflation levels.

Your tyres are your car’s only connection to the road and it is vital that they
are in good condition and correctly inflated for good traction and grip.

Next check your wiper blades. They are not everlasting and will need replacing
from time-to-time, so check them for splits and cracks.




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Check whether they are effective at clearing your screen and replace as
necessary.

Wiper blades can get frozen to the windscreen in freezing conditions and when
there is snow. In colder winters, RAC patrols see a big increase in callouts to
members' cars which have blown a fuse or broken the motor/mechanics when
operating the wipers when they are frozen to the screen.

So clear your windscreen and ensure that they will lift off the screen before
switching them on. Use de-icer or warm water (never hot water) to free them if
necessary.

Cover your windscreen with a blanket or an old sheet to keep it ice and snow
free and wrap the wipers up in the sheet to avoid them sticking to the screen.
Or place a strip of plastic or card between the blades and the glass.


4. COOLANT



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

Although it’s a sealed system and shouldn’t need to be topped up, you should
always double check, especially before a long journey.

Check your coolant levels when the engine is cold and look in your handbook for
the correct coolant and mix to use should you need to top it up.


5. ELECTRICS



Check your car's lights – they are essential for you to see and be seen.

It’s vitally important to make sure not only that you can see where you’re going
but also that other drivers can see you. Walk around your car and make sure all
lights are working and that they are free from dirt, grime and snow.

Lights get extremely dirty during the winter months so clean them on a regular
basis.

With a cold engine, check the battery terminals under the bonnet are clean and
tight.

If your car struggles to start and the engine ‘labours’ when you turn the key
you should get it checked by a garage. If your battery is over four years old it
may be getting to the end of its life and it could let you down.

If you are having your battery tested, ask a garage to check the charging system
and the drain on your battery – this will give a better picture of your car’s
overall electrical health.

RAC patrols deal with over 400,000 battery related faults every winter as the
cold weather takes its toll on older tired batteries and the wet and ice
conditions play havoc with the electrics. Batteries have to work that much
harder in cold conditions and they have endure greater demand from extra
electrical equipment like the lights and the heater.


6. 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.

There’s more muck and dirt on the roads during the winter, as well as salt, so
it’s important to make sure you can keep your windscreen clean. And remember to
keep checking and topping up the level as you use the screenwash up.

In colder conditions, RAC patrols are called out to motorists whose screen wash
has completely frozen in the tank – so it is vital that you remember to use a
quality additive that protects down to very low temperatures.

 * What to pack in your winter emergency breakdown kit
 * Car won't start in the cold? Here's what to do
 * Top car tips for the extreme cold




WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER

In addition to the above checks, there are a number of symptoms your car can
display letting you know something might need looking at. Carrying our
regular checks to prevent a vehicle breakdown can make a huge difference.




LOCKING WHEEL NUT KEY

These keys are designed to make sure that your wheel and alloys can't be stolen.
However, they're also used to change your wheel or tyres following an
issue. They are used to remove or tighten the wheel nuts.

Locking wheel nut keys are kept in a small bag or box within your vehicle.
Normally, they're stored underneath the spare wheel in the boot, or in your
glove compartment. In some models of cars, the bag or box is stored under one of
the seats. 

Make sure you know where these are, as you'll be asked to hand them over to a
mechanic after a breakdown so they can try and resolve the problem with your
car.

You'll need your locking wheel nut if you suffer from a flat tyre. Knowing how
to change a tyre can help save time and get you to a garage to fix any other
issues - should your vehicle have any.

 * Ten signs your car isn't ready for winter
 * Money saving winter driving tips
 * Advice for safe driving on ice


ADVICE FOR TOWING AND MOTORHOMES

If you’re towing or driving a motorhome all the above advice is important;
additionally, it’s worth considering replacing your battery before winter as
you’ll be using extra heating and lighting which can take its toll. It’s also
worth double-checking tyres they can deteriorate much more quickly than on
vehicles that are used regularly. 

In poor weather you’ll need to use even longer stopping distances than normal
and take it slow, it’s worth considering not travelling if you have any
concerns. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and if bridges are closed to
high-sided vehicles, avoid that route if you’re towing or driving a motorhome.

Iain Geddes Senior Technical Adviser, The Camping and Caravanning Club, says:
"Winter camping can be a wonderful experience, seeing a whole different side to
the great outdoors. But if campers are concerned about hitting the roads in
winter conditions, then specialist breakdown provision for caravan and motorhome
owners with Arrival Breakdown Cover from the RAC is a great way to get peace of
mind."


ARRIVAL BREAKDOWN COVER

Arrival is the RAC’s breakdown cover developed exclusively with The Camping and
Caravanning Club. It includes everything that you’d expect from the RAC together
with specialist benefits designed for caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

Learn more




PREPARING FOR A BREAKDOWN

However much you prepare, there’s always a chance that your car might leave you
stranded over winter.

So it’s important to be covered and be fully prepared for a breakdown: keep warm
clothes in your car, as well as a torch and a few basic tools. Consider keeping
bottles of water in the car as well as emergency food supplies, such as energy
bars and chocolate.

And if you are embarking on a long journey with snow forecast then be sure to
pack extra waterproof, some sturdy footwear, a shovel, a warm drink in a flask
and a fully charge mobile phone.

The best way to prepare for the cold weather is to prepare a winter breakdown
kit checklist and to make sure you have breakdown cover in place before hitting
the road.

 * What to pack in your emergency breakdown kit
 * Top car tips in the extreme cold – DIY fixes to try 
 * Car wont start in the cold? Possible causes and preventative tips 




WINTER DRIVING TIPS

These winter driving tips are a good place to start to help you prepare for
driving in colder conditions.

 * Your car is likely to use more fuel over winter. Don’t risk running the fuel
   tank low, as you could be vulnerable if you run out of fuel on a dark road or
   in bad weather.
 * It’s especially important to plan your journey in advance if the weather is
   likely to be bad.
 * Look at weather forecasts for a various locations on your route and consider
   taking an alternative route if particularly bad weather is forecast.
 * Stick to main roads, as they’re more likely to be kept clear, and keep away
   from rural or hilly areas if possible.
 * If you’re concerned that the weather is going to be bad enough to prevent you
   completing your journey, such as if weather warnings are in place, consider
   whether you’re journey is really necessary.
 * Plan alternative routes in case you encounter an issue on your journey and
   keep friends and family informed of your location. You can share your
   location using apps such as Waze so people can kept track of your journey in
   case there’s an issue. Make sure your phone is charged in advance, and
   consider buying an in-car phone charger.


DRIVING IN SNOW

This advice for driving in the snow helps set out a few key things to remember
before you get behind the wheel.

 * In snow and ice, stopping distances can increase by as much as 10 times
   compared to dry conditions.
 * Drive slowly, allowing you to stop within the distance you can see in case of
   any obstacles in the road. Be smooth – braking, accelerating or turning
   harshly can unsettle the car, leading you to lose control.
 * Keep the car clear of snow. All windows need to be clear for maximum
   visibility, while snow on the roof can fall and cause problems for you or
   other drivers. The number plates need to be visible, too.




DRIVING IN RAIN

Driving in the rain can be challenging - so be prepared.

 * Wet weather can be just as problematic as snow if you don’t drive to the
   conditions.
 * Slow down, as stopping distances in the wet can be twice what they are in the
   dry.
 * Watch out for flooding: dips in the road can hide areas of water, especially
   in the dark. If you’re not sure how deep a puddle is, don’t risk driving
   through it. Doing so could cause serious damage to your car and leave you
   stranded if it’s deep.


DRIVING IN STRONG WIND

If you're going to be driving in windy weather, then there are a few important
things to consider.

 * If there are weather warnings for strong wind, seriously consider whether
   your journey is absolutely necessary. Not only does it make driving
   difficult, trees are likely to come down causing congestion and, in a worst
   case scenario, hitting vehicles.
 * If you do drive in strong winds, avoid high bridges, especially if you’re in
   a high-sided vehicle.
 * If you feel the steering go light or you’re having to make a lot of
   corrections as the wind blows your car around, slow down and make sure you
   keep both hands on the wheel.




DRIVING IN FOG

Dricing in the fog presents a unique challenge for drivers - and can be quite
dangerous. Knowing when to use fog lights and the best ways to stay safe are
important lessons for all drivers.

 * Fog can also be especially dangerous. It usually accumulates in patches, so
   can take drivers by surprise.
 * Switch your car’s fog lights on to aid your visibility to others, and
   increase the gap between you and the car in front. Above all, be prepared to
   stop within the distance you can see.
 * If you’re driving through an urban area in thick fog, consider turning off
   the radio and opening the windows to help you listen for other vehicles.


DRIVING IN LOW SUN

All drivers who have got behind the wheel on a crisp winter morning or evening
will have likely experienced piercing sunlight while driving. 

 * Surprisingly, this can be one of the biggest hazards for winter driving.
 * Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car at all times, and use the sun visors if
   you’re driving when the sun is low. Keep your windscreen clean and slow down
   if visibility is reduced.
 * Reduce your speed and give yourself more time when coming up to junctions to
   allow yourself the ability to correctly judge your surroundings.


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ADVANCED PREPARATION FOR NEXT WINTER

Cars need to be serviced regularly to keep them running well and this becomes
even more important during the colder months.

Check your car’s handbook or contact your dealer to find out the recommended
service intervals.

If your car hasn't been serviced recently, consider booking it in for a service
ahead of winter. Not only could a service prevent problems, a reputable garage
should be able to spot issues on the horizon and give you advice to prevent a
breakdown.

Many car manufacturers offer special winter check deals that will check the key
areas of your car important for safe winter driving. 

Failing that at the very least you should perform the above basic checks.


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CAR MAINTENANCE

Mobile mechanic or local garage? The complete guide
MOT advisories – all you need to know
Car won't start in the cold? Possible causes and preventative tips
More on this topic


HOW TO

Car won't start in the cold? Possible causes and preventative tips
Ten signs your car isn’t ready for the winter
How to save fuel – the ultimate guide
More on this topic


WINTER DRIVING

What to pack in your emergency breakdown kit
Flooding chaos hits the UK – what should drivers be doing? Don’t get fined!
What is aquaplaning and how to avoid it
More on this topic

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