HOW TO DEFROST YOUR CAR

AND

HOW TO TACKLE ICY ROADS

Tips for defrosting your car:

Windscreen/Windshield: de-ice your windscreen/windshield by using an ice-scraper and if you have one, a de-icer spray too. Remember to remove all of the excess scraped ice from your car as if left on your screen or bonnet/hood it could spray up and obscure your vision when you drive off.

NEVER pour boiling water onto your windscreen.   REMEMBER to clean ice off all side and rear windows as well.

Wipers: First make sure the windscreen wipers are turned off especially if you have an auto setting. Check your wipers by carefully lifting the wiper blades away from the screen. Make sure that your washer fluid is topped up and that some anti freeze is included.

Mirrors: Make sure that your side mirrors are clear and that your internal rear-view mirror isn't misted up.

If you have electric mirrors, DON'T fold them in overnight in case the mechanism freezes.

Engine: Get into your car, turn your heating on, put your front fans on maximum and switch on your heated rear windscreen. It is recommended to always ensure someone is sitting inside to protect it when defrosting and warming up your car.

NEVER de-ice your car by leaving it running with the keys in the ignition. As modern vehicles offer much improved security car thieves are becoming increasingly opportunistic and you could become a victim of a 'frosting' car crime and, if this happens, an insurance claim would probably be turned down.

NEVER drive with misted windows: Don't start driving until the whole windscreen/windshield is clear.  Driving with limited visibility is dangerous, add bright sunshine into the mix and misted windows can be blinding.
 

Allow extra time: Get up a few minutes early so that you don't rush and start driving before it is safe to do so.

Now your vehicle is ready to drive but what about those icy roads?


Tips for tackling icy roads:

Keep your distance: In adverse weather conditions it is difficult to stop suddenly so make sure you keep plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front in addition to which snow spray from the car in front can also limit visibility.

Look ahead: to ensure you have time to react always look as far ahead as possible while driving, this way you will be able to recognise any potential hazards. Avoid sudden moves: Always adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow down and avoid any sudden movements of the steering wheel and remember, over-zealous accelerating or sudden braking could result in skidding on slippery roads.

If you skid stay calm: you can regain control of your vehicle by decelerating, ease off or fully release the brake pedal or by easing off the accelerator and turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. This is known as 'turning into the skid' e.g.  if the rear of the vehicle skids to the left, steer immediately to the left to recover.

Black Ice or Patchy Ice: Black ice is usually imperceptible (hence the term), it often looks like a normal wet road.  Be especially careful of shaded areas, such as roads under bridges or the shade of trees, as these surfaces will freeze much faster than the rest of the road.
 

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