5 Hazards of Winter Driving (That Aren’t Snow and Ice)

Winter brings many beautiful things with it. It’s a time for snow angels, dancing snow men with top hats, Christmas carols and sitting around a roaring fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Behind the wheel of your Vauxhall, however, it isn’t so pretty. Snow, ice and rain can create some treacherous driving conditions. Slipping and sliding all over the road isn’t fun, and it can be very dangerous to both you, your car and its car parts.

Unfortunately, snow and ice aren’t the only things you need to worry about. Other dangers occur during winter that you may not be as prepared for. Do you know what they are?

 

Dangers of Winter Driving

 

Visibility

It’s obvious that a blinding snowfall can impair your ability to see while driving down the road in your Vauxhall. However, your visibility can be limited even on a cool, clear evening. There are some steps you can take, however, to increase your ability to see and increase your visibility for other drivers.

 

• Take the time to get all of the ice off your windows and mirrors. Not only can the ice camoflage your Vauxhall for other drivers, but you won’t be able to see others as easily as you’re driving down the road.

 

• Check your headlamps. When was the last time you actually replaced the bulbs? While these car parts may be tiny, they can greatly affect your safety. Over time, they tend to dim and can make it hard for you to see what’s going on around you even on a clear night. This can be an issue during any season, but can be a safety hazard during winter.

 

• Use your headlamps. Once they have new bulbs, these Vauxhall parts should be turned on at night. They should also be used during twilight and any time the weather is snowy, misty or grey. It’s important that other drivers are able to see you easily through the hazy winter weather.

 

Failing Battery

Cold weather can cause a lot of problems, but most significantly to your battery. When it comes to car parts, the battery tends to be quite a wimp. In cooler temperatures, its power can be zapped quickly, especially if it is more than three years old. If your Vauxhall needs the battery started, this can be a problem. Replace it if it’s more than three years old, however, if you don’t want to replace it, take a look at it to see if any problems are present.

• Look at the lead connexions. If you notice any corrosion on them, use a wire brush to clean them.

 

• Consider buying a portable power source. If you’re stuck at work with no one around, this can provide you with enough power to jump-start the car.

 

• Keep jumper cables in your boot (or in the rear seat if your boot requires power to open!)

 

Tyres

You should always check the pressure in your tyres each month. However, during the winter you’ll need to check more often. Cold temperatures affect air pressure. While your tyres may have had enough air pressure in them during the summer and fall, atmospheric pressure can reduce it in the winter. Be sure to look at your owner’s manual to determine how much air pressure is required for the tyres. Don’t rely only on the sidewall of the tyre.

 

Road Gritting

Your local council ensures roads are driveable by applying a salt or salty brine mixture on the roads before or after snowfall or icing. This road gritting helps to melt the snow and ice and keep you safer while driving. While it may ensure your safety on the road, it can actually be dangerous to Vauxhall parts and the exterior of your Vauxhall. Salt is corrosive, and if it’s left on your car too long it can damage the finish. If it gets onto the chassis or even below the bonnet, damage can occur to car parts as well.

The best way to prevent issues caused by road gritting is to give your Vauxhall a bath as often as possible. Washing off the salt can prevent rust from developing. Remember, rust is like cancer. Once it takes hold, it can spread and eat everything in its path- including critical car parts. By taking a little bit of time now to wash the salt and muck from the road off, you can save yourself thousands of pounds in repairs and replacements.

 

The Cold

You know what cold can do to your battery- it can stop it in its tracks before you even get on the road. The cold isn’t just a hazard for your vehicle, though. It’s also dangerous for you. If you slip off the road and find yourself stuck in a snow drift with no power, the cold can quickly affect your safety.

There are ways to keep yourself safe, though, by creating or purchasing an emergency winter car kit. These contain some of the necessary items a regular emergency car kit has, but are geared to winter weather. This kit should include:

• Two to three blankets

 

• Hand warmers

 

• First aid kit

 

• Extra warm clothes

 

• Water

 

• Non-perishable food

 

• Charged cell phone

 

• Kitty litter

 

Go for thick, downy comforters if possible. They may take up space in your boot, but will be appreciated. The kitty litter may be strange, but if placed under the tyres, it can help give you the traction necessary to get out of snow and ice if you still have power to the vehicle.

For your safety, always let others know where you are travelling during the winter, the exact route you’re taking and what time you expect to arrive at your destination. If you have trouble on the road, they will know to send someone to help you if they are unable to get hold of you.

Are you prepared for winter driving? There are more dangers to this time of year than just snow, ice and rain. Keep yourself and your Vauxhall’s parts safe by planning and preparing for possible issues that might occur.