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Don’t Give Winter Safety the Cold Shoulder
Read our top tips for safe driving and vehicle maintenance.
7th November 2017
The winter months provide a host of extra challenges for vehicles, but many can be prevented or reduced with simple precautions. With limited daylight hours and oppressive weather conditions making driving more hazardous than usual, it’s worth taking a little extra time and care to prevent damage or potential accidents.
Antifreeze
With temperatures plummeting, make sure you’re properly stocked with antifreeze. Frozen and cracked engines can cost hundreds to fix, so be sure to check your service schedule and be aware of when yours will need replacing. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water will protect your engine down to -34C when the air gets nippy!
Windscreen
It’s worth leaving the house 10 minutes earlier, in order to properly clear your car of ice or snow. Obscured windscreens, especially, are extremely dangerous and can also incur a police fine. Don’t ignore the roof, either – Snow can fall onto the windscreen and block your view after you pull away. In addition, make sure your wiper blades are in good condition to deal with an excess.
Lights
With the darker mornings and evenings in full force, be sure to check all your lights are working properly, as well as remembering to clear snow from these, too – Not just the windows! It’s also advisable not to leave your engine running while you wait for a car to defrost; you’ll be running the risk of theft.
When visibility is low, you may need to use your fog lights – but remember to switch them off when visibility improves, so you don't dazzle other road users.
Tyres
We all need a little extra grip in winter – Be it a good pair of boots, or a decent set of tyres. At least 3mm of tread is advisable and, better yet, a set of winter tyres that are suitably equipped for the season.
Careful Driving
Stopping distances can be 10 times longer in ice and snow, so keep driving appropriate with gentle manoeuvres. Ensure your shoes have suitable soles and aren’t likely to slip on pedals, as well as staying topped up with at least a quarter of a tank of petrol – Just in case. If you drive an automatic, it’s also worth checking the handbook to see if your car has a winter mode.
Always allow a bit of extra time for your journey, so you don’t need to be hasty in less than favourable conditions. In addition, congestion on the roads is more likely when the weather is poor and visibility is reduced.
Oh, and one more tip – A cigarette lighter is a great solution to a frozen lock!
You can make sure your Audi is fully prepared for winter by visiting us for a service.
Want to keep up to speed with all of the latest Audi news?
BARNSTAPLE AUDI
01271 355 011
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Marshall Motor Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our firm reference number is 310503.
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Marshall Motor Group Limited is a credit-broker not a lender.
Marshall Motor Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Firm Reference Number is 310503. Details of our permissions and trading names can be checked via the FCA register https://www.fca.org.uk/
All of the following companies are individually authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with a Limited Permission for credit broking. Each company is a credit broker not a lender: Astle Limited; Crystal Motor Group Limited; Marshall North West Limited; Marshall of Ipswich Limited; Marshall of Peterborough Limited; Marshall of Scunthorpe Limited; Marshall of Stevenage Limited; and Silver Street Automotive Limited. All of the following companies are Appointed Representatives of Marshall Motor Group Limited for credit broking: Pentagon Limited; Ridgeway Bavarian Limited; Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Crown Point Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Sydenham Limited; and S G Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited.
We may receive a commission or other financial benefit from our lenders for arranging finance for you. For further information on our commission arrangements please see our Finance Commission Disclosure Statement
Marshall Motor Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct insurance distribution as an ancillary insurance intermediary. All of the following companies are Appointed Representatives of Marshall Motor Group Limited for the purposes of insurance distribution: Astle Limited; Crystal Motor Group Limited; Marshall North West Limited; Marshall of Ipswich Limited; Marshall of Peterborough Limited; Marshall of Scunthorpe Limited; Marshall of Stevenage Limited; Pentagon Limited; Ridgeway Bavarian Limited; Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Crown Point Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Sydenham Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited; and Silver Street Automotive Limited.
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We have a number of limited companies within the group who are Appointed Representatives of ITC Compliance Limited. They are: Motorline Limited (01848722); Motorline (Kent) Limited (04899072); Motorline (Broad Oak) Limited (10270930); Motorline (Canterbury) Limited (08237424); and Driveline Limited (04626624). ITC Compliance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Registration Number 313486). Their permitted activities include advising on general insurance contracts and acting as a credit broker not a lender.
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