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5 simple tricks to prepare your car for winter

The leaves fall and the nights draw near. Winter is coming! This means exciting times like Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Christmas, but it can also mean unpredictable weather, traffic jams, or dangerous driving conditions.

However, with the quick and simple tricks below, you can easily prepare your car for the challenges ahead and safely enjoy the winter season.

1. Add an emergency kit

Driving in winter presents several challenges. Icy roads make braking slippery, foggy conditions impede visibility and periods of congested roads can make a roadside breakdown more likely.

That’s why there’s never been a better time to add an emergency kit to your car. This could include essentials such as a spare tire (if you know how to fit yours), blankets, a flashlight or high visibility items, and a mobile phone charger and any details of your roadside breakdown cover.

It can also include things that are specific to you or your family, such as medicine, snacks, water, or entertainment. You don’t need to supercharge your car, but a few essentials can help give you peace of mind.

Make sure your roadside coverage is also up to date and that you know the number to call in an emergency.

2. Check (and replace) your tires

Winter road conditions are especially treacherous and are a major contributing factor to the fact that there are often more accidents in the winter months.

One way to help prevent accidents is to make sure your tires are in good working order and replace them if necessary. This may be a replacement that just ensures the integrity and grip of your tires, or it could be a more specific option.

Winter tires, for example, are specifically made to withstand the harshest winter conditions and temperatures. This can be especially important for anyone who lives in more rural or remote areas, or those susceptible to heavy snowfall.

Visit a reputable garage for advice, and consider investing in the safest, most weather-appropriate tires you can afford.

3. Be energy efficient

A great tip all year round, but perhaps especially in winter, is to drive as energy-efficiently as possible. This helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your car, but it can also save you money and fuel.

Driving energy-efficiently can mean selecting the right gear, anticipating the road so sudden changes in speed aren’t necessary, reducing wind speeds, and much more. For many drivers, it may even mean making the switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle! The driving range of electric cars is constantly increasing, making them an increasingly popular option.

Regardless of the ways you can improve your driving efficiency, winter is a great time to do it so you can save money and stay safe on the roads.

4. Invest in your lights (or keep them clean)

Excellent lights are a must for the winter season. They must be reliable, effective and, of course, clean!

Add a few minutes to your regular checks and driving routines to clean your essential lights before and after driving. This is so that no dirt or debris accumulates that can obscure them at a crucial time, especially as the sun sets earlier. Falling leaves and frost can also obscure your vision in winter.

Consider investing in new or better lights in preparation for the winter season as well. While there are plenty of other ways to cut back on your car, safety features should never be one of them. Always aim for the best you can afford.

5. Add a winter scent

A simple, fun, and inexpensive way to winterize your car is to add a seasonal scent! These can be hanging scented items, a spray, cleansing wipes, and more.

These items can not only be a great way to make your car feel fresh and hygienic, but they will also make it a joy to drive. On nights when you may be spending more time in traffic than usual, or have family or young children to entertain, a festive scent can help make the space more pleasant.

With the variety of tips and tricks above, you and your car will be ready for a safe winter season!

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