The Importance of Looking After Your Motability Car This Winter
As the seasons change, it’s important to prepare for new weather conditions to ensure a safe drive.
There’s so much to love about winter – cosy nights in, getting wrapped up in your favourite hat and gloves, and enjoying the crisp air. But you might not love winter driving so much. The change in conditions brings new driving challenges and it’s important to be prepared.
We've rounded up our handy tips for looking after your Motability car this winter to make cold weather driving a breeze.
Go back to basics
It’s important to check over basic items on your Motability car for the safety of yourself and those around you.
Tyres
Tyre checks should become part of your regular routine checks, even more so in the colder months.
They must have at least 1.6mm tread depth remaining around the central three-quarters of the tyre. Did you know that worn or damaged tyres could cost you a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre?
It’s also important to check that your tyres are inflated to the correct level. If your tyres are over or underinflated, you could put yourself at risk and also end up using more fuel.
If you aren’t confident checking your tyres, you can book a free tyre check at your nearest Vertu Motability dealership.
Lights
During the darker months, it’s vital that you can see and be seen on the road. Make sure to test that all lights are working correctly including:
- Headlights
- Daytime running lights
- Fog lights
- Rear lights
Wiper blades
It’s likely that you’ll be relying on your wiper blades more than usual throughout winter. It’s important to ensure that they are performing at their best for a clear view of the road ahead.
If your wipers are showing any visible signs of damage be sure to change them immediately. Other key signs that they need replacing include squeaking, juddering, chattering and smearing.
Fluid levels
Coolant, oil and screenwash all help to keep your car ticking over. These will normally be checked in your annual service, but it never hurts to check them yourself if in doubt. To get an accurate reading, make sure that the engine is switched off and cold.
Battery
If there’s an issue with your car’s battery, a warning light will appear on your dashboard. Once this appears, make sure to get it checked right away. You can maintain your battery health with regular drives, but if you do drive an electric car, this will affect your range.
Fuel or battery power
No matter what time of year it is, it’s important to check that you have enough fuel to complete your journey. If you drive an electric Motability car, make sure that you have enough charge remaining.
Preparation is key
During the winter months, breakdowns can become more common due to the colder temperatures. It’s recommended that you carry a few essential items in your car in case you get caught out.
These include:
- A coat or warm layers
- A phone charger or power bank
- Bottled water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Torch, shovel, and scraper
- A hazard warning triangle
In the event of a breakdown, don’t panic. As a Motability customer, your all-inclusive leasing package includes RAC Motability Assist. This coverage lasts for the entire duration of your lease.
The best way to report a breakdown is via the myRAC app, be sure to download this to your smartphone if you haven’t already. The app comes in extremely handy if you are unsure of your location as it knows exactly where you are. It also includes other helpful features including route planners and maintenance reminders.
Winter driving tips
As well as checking your Motability car, you might also need to adjust your driving habits to adapt to the change in temperatures:
- Make sure to leave plenty of room between you and the car in front should you need to brake suddenly, as roads can become wet and slippery.
- Pay extra attention when pulling out at roundabouts and junctions if visibility is reduced.
- Take your time and reduce your speed.
If you drive an electric Motability car , there’s also a few other adjustments you can make to maximise your range.
- Park your car away from direct sunlight e.g. in a garage
- Keep the battery charged between 20-80%
- Drive in Eco Mode
- Pre-heat your car before leaving the house
- Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct level
Keep your windscreen clear
More often than not, your windscreen will be frosted over in the winter months. While it can be tempting to pour hot water onto your windscreen to speed up the defrosting process, you could crack or shatter the glass.
A scraper and de-icer are the best way to clear your windscreen quickly and safely. There’s also extra steps you can take to prevent frost and ice. These include frost screens and towels which protect your windscreen and wiper blades.
Vertu Motors – your local Motability expert
At Vertu Motors, we’re not only here to help you find your ideal Motability car, but also to support you throughout your entire lease.
From owner advice, to servicing and maintenance, get in touch with us today with us today to see how we can help you.