We’re careering headlong towards Christmas, but we don’t want to be careering off the road at the same time. Because the twin hazards that face us at this time of year are the fact that a) the roads are becoming icy, plus b) the challenge of other drivers full of festive spirits(s) and the general excesses of the Christmas party season.
There are a few simple things you can do to insulate yourself from the risks associated with winter driving and we have listed five of the key ones here:

Coping With A Winter Wonderland

A really simple, but effective one to start. The Council will no doubt be gritting the roads and it’s that kind of grit the can get kicked up by traffic and obscure a driver’s vision, so make sure you keep the windscreen wash topped up. Also, a great tip is to keep your vehicle consistently full of petrol or diesel. This is firstly so that you have plenty of fuel if you get stranded, or perhaps need to keep the engine going to stay warm. However, a full tank may also help prevent any residual water freezing in the fuel pump.

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Tyres

Of course to the north of us in the UK, many Scandinavian countries require drivers to change to winter tyres as soon as winter approaches. While that is probably unnecessary beyond more remote, rural areas, all drivers should nevertheless keep a close eye on the pressure in the tyres of their cars. Pressures drop with the drop in the temperature and if you’re driving around in a car with low pressure in the tyres, you will find that it affects the control of the car, and will also begin to wear the tyres out.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

We have had some rather severe winters recently, and climate change campaigners will tell you winters are set to become even more harsh. We have seen roads cut off and drivers stranded and, while an extreme scenario, it may serve you well to consider keeping some useful items in your car during the winter months, especially if you live in more rural areas, or are planning journeys to more remote places to see friends and family. You can purchase such kits ready-made; equally, you may be able to assemble the items yourself, which should include: a blanket, a torch, a first-aid kit, de-icer, a spade to dig out snow, a phone charger that can run from the car battery and jump cables. Belt and braces, maybe, but better safe than sorry if the snow comes tumbling down!

Baby Its Cold Outside!

Obviously as winter truly sets in after Christmas, freezing temperatures are likely. And it’s then that we bear witness to the traditional suburban scene, in streets all over the UK: drivers at the front of their houses frantically trying to de-ice the windows and get their cars warmed up. As per point 1, make sure coolant levels are generous at this time of year, and consider adding water as well as antifreeze to the radiator in your car. This can help by creating a lower freezing point for the engine, thereby helping it through these tricky weeks, when both cars (and their owners) are susceptible to the cold.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Yes – its the sound of your car not starting! Like their owners, vehicles can find it harder to operate in the winter months. Their batteries can run down, as it’s harder for the battery to run in colder temperatures. This is especially true for diesel cars, that might need extra warming up in the mornings. So, get your battery tested at your local mechanics and if it’s looking enfeebled, then you are probably better off replacing it before the cold sets in, when a weaker battery will struggle to fire up.

Take these simple tips on board, and you and your car will hopefully have a fabulous festive season. Alternatively, saddle your Peugeot to some reindeer and trust in the fuel of festive spirit!

The cold snap earlier this week brought a touch of the Arctic to Manchester. Although most of us managed to dodge the snow, you know its only a matter of time before the cold weather wreaks havoc on the roads and your car.

To combat the cold, Duffy Motors offer a fast and convenient winter car check from its city centre garage.

There’s nowhere more convenient if you live or work in Manchester city centre.

Duffy Motors’ quick and convenient winter check-up

Book your winter check-up in now. We only charge for half an hours labour and you can drop-off and pick-up your car as you please.

We check:

• The battery (batteries are the most common cause of winter breakdown)
• Bulbs
• Wipers
• Oil levels
• Tyres
• Screenwash

While we have your vehicle on the ramp we will also perform a quick visual brake test just to check for major faults.

And we’ll top your washer fluid up with antifreeze if you are running low.

Duffy Motor’s city centre garage couldn’t be more convenient for anyone commuting into Manchester for work.

Located next to the Beetham tower, there’s lots of public transport links nearby so you can drop your car off in the morning, head to work and pick it up whenever you are ready.

Preparing your car for winter

In the winter the cold weather can interfere with the chemical reaction that goes on in your battery. This means they are more likely to fail, especially batteries that are more than about five years old.

If your battery is sounds or feels like it is struggling to get started, especially on those cold winter mornings then you should get it checked (and possibly replaced) by an expert. This winter might be enough to finish it off.

You are much more likely to be involved in an accident in winter. To help reduce the risk it’s important that you get your brakes, tyres, wipers and bulbs checked. This will help reduce the risk of skidding, help you see other road users better and allow other road users to see you better (only if you keep your lights on though).

More winter car tips

• Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure you have a tread depth of at least 3mm
• Make sure there is antifreeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle
• Keep an ice-scraper and de-icer in your vehicle and never try to drive with a frosted up windscreen
• In case you do get stranded at the side of the motorway it is good to keep some essentials in your boot. Pack a few jumpers, a blanket, food and drink, a high-vis and a warning triangle
• A thin coat of polish or Vaseline can stop rubber door seals freezing shut and a squirt of WD-40 should be enough to stop your locks freezing
• Keep your windscreen clean inside and out and consider replacing your wiper blades