Slippery when wet

 22 September 2011

This week IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger offers some advice on maintaining your car during the autumn period.

• Clear out plenum chambers the tray-like area under the bonnet, below the windscreen. This can fill up with water when it gets blocked with leaves. This water can seep into the cars electrics, causing expensive and potentially dangerous damage.
• A patch of wet leaves can be as dangerous as hitting standing water take care and reduce your speed before driving onto them.
• In cold weather, clear windscreens of condensation or ice before setting off. Always give yourself extra time, to ensure visibility is at an optimum before starting your journey.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If they squeak as they wipe, they probably need replacing, and always make sure they are turned off before starting the ignition to save the blades and the risk of a blown motor fuse when the first frost hits.
• Autumn can also take its toll on car batteries keep the top of the battery clean and dry and make sure the terminals are tight and free from corrosion.
• If a battery is more than three years old, check it now; you might save yourself many a frustrating start to a morning.

Rodger said: Bear in mind that leaves can be slippery, especially when wet. Avoid hard acceleration or braking as it can cause skidding. And be aware that there may be a dip, pothole or other road hazard hiding under those leaves covering the road.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     Peter Rodger is the IAMs chief examiner.

2.     The IAM is the UKs largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

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