The AA has issued ‘important’ advice for drivers as the Met Office predicts a possible ‘Beast from the East’ and temperatures will drop to -10C.
Motoring experts have shared ten tips to help Brits avoid costly breakdowns amid potential cold weather.
The guidance follows the Met Office’s prediction that the UK could see heavy snowfall and even a sudden stratospheric warning (SSW) which could see temperatures drop further.
UK braced for snow and -10C in March as Met Office predicts Beast from the East
It was a major SSW that brought the Beast from the East to the UK in 2018, as the country saw 22 inches of snow in some places, while £1.2bn worth of damage was caused to the economy.
Sean Sidley, AA Patrolman of the Year, said: “It’s important for drivers to give their car a little TLC each morning in the colder months to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
“The most important thing is to keep an eye on the battery, as a lot of breakdowns in winter are due to battery related issues.
“To avoid this, take your car out regularly (half an hour or so) to keep the battery charged. Batteries only last about 5 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its life, invest in a new one before. winter.”
Sidley also commented on the second most common reason for winter calls: tires.
He advised: “Be sure to check your tires before you set off and make sure your tread is deep enough. Winter tires may be considered if you live somewhere that would make them useful, but there are plenty of tires that can last all year.
“Car maintenance, especially in the colder months, can save you the time and stress of a breakdown and save you money from having to make emergency repairs.”
Here are ten ways to help you avoid costly breakdowns this winter from AA.
10 Ways to Avoid Costly Winter Breakdowns
Check your coolant level regularly
Engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that cools the engine and prevents it from overheating.
The AA has said that it is “important” to make sure the coolant level is topped up to the correct level.
You can have the antifreeze concentration checked by a shop before the cold hits.
Use a screen wash additive
Prevent your washing machine jets from freezing when it’s cold by using undiluted additive.
If the pump runs out of fluid, it could blow a fuse or burn out the screen wash motor, leading to bigger and more expensive problems.
Check your windshield wipers
The AA has also urged drivers to take off their windshield wipers windshields before going out on winter mornings, and don’t leave them on auto.
“Having the wipers on but not moving can damage the wipers and motor, causing a blown fuse or burning out the wiper motor,” added the motoring experts.
Remove snow from your car as soon as possible
Save yourself the trouble of clearing the snow off your car as soon as you can.
The longer you leave snow on your car, the harder it will be to remove when you need it.
Defrost locks and handles
It shouldn’t cost you a fortune to maintain your car in the winter; in fact there are some Useful household objects that you can use to protect it.
When necessary WD40 can be used on frozen locks and using Vaseline on door seals will prevent sticking.
According to the AA, locks and alarms are the cause of 5% of all winter breakdowns in the UK.
READ MORE: Met Office update on possible Beast from the East snow forecasts
READ MORE: 4 tips you can try to help you get rid of a common cold
Don’t leave wet clothes in your car
When you leave wet clothes in the car, the water from your clothes goes into the air.
This makes condensation even worse on your vehicle.
Wait till you open your windows
The AA also advised that you let windows warm up before opening them.
Although it’s tempting to remove the frost by rolling down the windows, it’s possible for them to freeze to the frame and then dislodge from the mechanism.
keep your car clean
Cleaning your car will remove corrosive salt that has built up from driving.
You should also avoid spraying the brake drums, as they can freeze in cold weather and prevent you from getting going.
move carefully
Automatic parking brakes may not release, so apply the foot brake when you release the electronic brake, then release the pedal and drive slowly.
listen to your engine
Stop immediately if you hear any unusual noise from your engine, smell burning, or see smoke when you start your vehicle.
The alternator or water pump may have frozen and will only be damaged further if you continue driving.