How to start your car in the bleak midwinter

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he is advising motorists on how to prepare your car before you set off.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “If the weather is really bad, think about whether you really need to make the journey before travelling. If so, ensure you take out the time to prepare your car for your trip.”

Rodger offers six tips to avoid seasonal car problems:

• Don’t switch on the engine until you are ready to go; a modern car does not need to warm the engine up. Do put the engine on if you need to run the heater/demister before you move.
• Clean your windows inside and out – a dirty screen will cause the windows to mist up much quicker.
• Clean any snow off the car’s roof and bonnet as well as windows.
• When you get in the car make sure all the extra electrical things are turned off before you try starting it (lights, heater, etc).
• When you’re ready to go, switch the engine and heater on (air con if you have fitted, it keeps the screen dry) so that the windows don’t steam up.
• Use the ‘ice’ setting if your car has one.

Rodger said: “Spending time to prepare your car for the weather conditions is important so that it copes well throughout your journey. Now is the time to check the battery and that your screen wash is the antifreeze version.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     drivingadvice.org.uk

2.     Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner

3.     The IAM is the UK’s 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

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

press.office@iam.org.uk

ISDN broadcast lines available 

iam.org.uk