Winter Driving – Everything You Need To Know

Here are the Dumfries MOT Centre Winter driving tips – everything you need to know for driving in the trickiest weather conditions we’re likely to get in Scotland.

Before setting off

When you’re setting off on for a car journey in winter, always check the weather forecast, and if there are weather warnings, ask yourself if you absolutely must make this journey? Ensure that you have enough charge in your phone, should you need to call for help. Always check the car over to see if your screenwash is full, oil and brake fluids are at sufficient level and the tyres are all road safe.

The Essentials

Always have the essentials in your car in case of emergencies. You could be stuck on the motorway for hours, or have to pull over in heavy snow. It’s a good idea to always have food, water, blankets and a torch in car, that way if you do have to stop anywhere you won’t go hungry, get dehydrated, go cold, or be fumbling in the dark.

Black Ice and Snow

Black ice is invisible and can be fatal. To avoid having skidding and crashing, keep your gears high, accelerate gently and use low revs. Maintaining your stopping distance from the car in front is vital, and in the snow its recommended to leave ten times the standard gap.

Car Care

Local councils regularly spread salt via gritters across most roads and motorways, acting as a de-icer and helping to keep the roads from freezing and becoming dangerous. But salt can corrode your car’s bodywork over time if you don’t keep on top of cleaning it.

If you have any concerns or questions with driving or with your vehicle during the colder months, get in touch with us, we have a dedicated team ready to help and answer any questions you have to keep the roads safe.