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Posted:16 December 2019 | Category: General,Road Safety

How to Prepare Your Volkswagen for the Winter

VW In ice

Winter is upon us, and that means that it’s time to make sure your car is ready to combat frost, ice and snow. As we gear up for weeks of low temperatures and unpredictable weather, here are some handy winter driving tips and some pointers to prepare your Volkswagen. 

Winter driving checks

Winter presents challenges for drivers due to the difficult weather conditions. As temperatures fall and the risk of snow, ice and rain increases, it’s wise to ensure that your Volkswagen is ready. At Sinclair Volkswagen, we offer winter checks to enhance safety and give you peace of mind before hitting the roads. Our checks include a 34-point inspection, wash and vacuum and a winter car care kit with essentials such as de-icer, antifreeze and a scraper. If you’re heading out in the winter, we recommend checking your oil and tyres and making sure you have screen wash in the car. 

Winter driving tips

The risk of accidents increases when weather conditions are adverse. In the winter, drivers can face a different obstacle or hurdle every day, with road closures, traffic jams, snow, ice, rain, frost and fog all commonplace. If you are driving in the coming weeks, it’s hugely beneficial to bear these tips in mind:

  • Plan ahead: work out your route, check the roads are open and listen out for weather warnings and traffic news. If the weather is bad, try and avoid country lanes and tracks. 
  • Drive carefully: this is important at any time of year, but it’s particularly crucial during the winter months. Reduce your speed if visibility is poor, increase your stopping distance in rain, ice and snow, and give drivers plenty of time and room. Keep well back from the vehicle in front.
  • Don’t drive unless you have to if there are weather warnings in place. 
  • Don’t drive tired: many people have hectic schedules in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. Get plenty of rest before a long journey, and take regular breaks to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
  • Carry snacks, drinks, warm layers, waterproofs, blankets and a charger for your phone with you. 
  • Try and avoid travelling at peak times 
  • Make sure your lights are all in good working order
  • Carry a warning triangle, high-visibility clothing and a torch with you
  • Make sure you have breakdown cover

Planning a winter journey

Whether you’re commuting to work, you’re going Christmas shopping, or you’re embarking on a road trip to visit friends or relatives, it’s always beneficial to plan your journey before you set off. Make sure you have enough fuel, and if you’re covering long distances, check where you can fill up en route. Take plenty of food and drink with you and figure out where to stop and rest. Charge your phone before you travel or take an in-car charger with you, and see where your Sat Nav is taking you. If you’re due to encounter traffic hot spots, or there is roadworks planned, it’s best to travel outside of peak hours. Listen out for traffic and weather bulletins, and if the forecast is treacherous, consider postponing the trip until conditions improve. 

Driving in winter can be challenging, but if you prepare in advance, you could save time and money and reduce the risk of accidents and unexpected delays. To book a winter check for your Volkswagen, call Sinclair Volkswagen today.

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