Plan Insurance Blog

Get ready for winter: Take care on the road

If you’re wondering when the winter weather is going to set in this year, you’re not the only one!

Get ready for winter: Take care on the road Plan Insurance Brokers

With December 2015 breaking the record for the warmest in 70 years (!?!) it’s no doubt that with this British weather, the cold will come when we least expect it.
So, it’s best to be prepared beforehand so that there are no nasty surprises when the freeze finally hits!
 

 

 For the freeze

Top Tips for getting your taxi or company car ready for winter
 

Check the forecasts
We’re sure you do this already, but it’s worth taking a snack or a flask of hot drink out with you if cold weather is forecast.

Think about carrying a blanket, shovel and tow rope – just in case.
And of course your breakdown number, as a precaution so you can get help when you need it.

Get your car or taxi serviced before winter – if you haven’t had it serviced recently already.
See here for some of our tips for servicing your car.

Check your tread
You should have at least 3mm of tyre tread for winter motoring; snow tyres could make sense if you’re expecting heavy snow.

Keep your fuel tank at least quarter full
An almost empty tank won’t last long if you’re caught in a long traffic queue.

Driving in snow and on icy roads

As a general rule, don’t drive in these conditions unless you really have to.

  1. Slow down, don’t overtake and give everyone and everything plenty of room
  2. Drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, and don’t accelerate or break harshly
  3. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to get there – and keep your mobile phone charged for emergencies

 
 
Sources: BBC News  AXA  AXA