With some parts of the UK experiencing the first snowfall of the season, local Vauxhall retailer, Evans Halshaw is keen to offer advice to help keep drivers in Beverley safe this winter.
According to the retailer on Swinemoor Lane, there are many things motorists can do to stay safe when driving in severe weather and make their winter journeys less stressful.
Taking preventative steps is a vital way to reduce additional winter costs, as Aron Brown, Dealer Principal at Evans Halshaw Beverley, explains: “When it comes to winter driving, being fully prepared for all weather conditions, ensuring motorists are in a fit state to take to the wheel, and of course, making sure vehicles are in a good condition, are the top priorities.”
Knowing how to handle driving in snow and ice is important, should severe weather strike. Fortunately, the team at the dealership is offering expert advice on how to stay safe.
Aron Brown continues: “If you find yourself driving on icy or snowy roads, drive very smoothly. Slow down gently by easing off the throttle and try to avoid applying the brakes.
“Leave at least twice the normal distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, as braking distances are greatly increased in wintry conditions. Avoid sudden or abrupt manoeuvres too, by braking and accelerating slowly and carefully.
“When driving up steep gradients, drive in a high gear and vice versa for low gradients: practise slowing down and stopping by using your gears instead of the brakes of your car.
“When driving over ice, if you feel your car is sliding or skidding, depress the pedals and do not brake, as this will cause your wheels to lock. Steer gently into the direction you are skidding or sliding and allow the car to come to a gentle stop.”
Additional safe winter driving tips from RETAILER:
Plan your journeys in advance: Allow extra time for travelling and keep a check on your local weather and travel before setting out.
Check your antifreeze: Antifreeze is one of those things a lot of people overlook during the winter months. It’s relatively cheap, and if you don’t use it, you risk doing some serious damage to your vehicle which can be very expensive to repair. Always check that you are using the right type of antifreeze, as there are different varieties.
Pack an emergency kit: You never know when you might need some essentials, so it is worth getting a few crucial items together and storing them in your car, just in case the worst happens.
Your emergency kit should include:
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and spare batteries
• Warm clothes and a blanket
• Boots
• First aid kit
• Mobile-phone charger
• Food and a warm drink in a vacuum flask
• A shovel
• Road atlas
• Sunglasses (for the glare off the snow)
Evans Halshaw Beverley is also well-stocked with a comprehensive range of winter car care accessories and can offer drivers a Winter Safety Check for just £25, which conveniently includes an emergency kit and anti-freeze top up.
To find out about aftersales services and winter accessories, customers can visit the retailer at Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, , HU17 0LJ incl road, county, postcode etc or call 01482 862 801.
