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Vehicle Safety in Winter

Express Fit > Blog > Blog post > Vehicle Safety in Winter
Vehicle-Safety-in-Winter
Posted on October 20, 2017
Blog post

Safe time gaps on wet and icy roads

In normal dry weather conditions, you must keep a two second gap between you and the driver in front. This is known as the two second rule. In wintery conditions which causes the road surfaces to become wet and icy, the four second rule applies. This means you must stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front giving you plenty of time brake and stop.

Reduced stopping distance on wet and icy roads

Stopping distance is combined of thinking and braking. In slippery road conditions, especially on icy surfaces during winter, your stopping distance can increase by up to 10 times than normal. This is to avoid colliding and to maintain control whilst braking.   

De-icing your vehicle

Within chilly temperatures, visibility can be poor with icy windscreens, windows and door mirrors. Before setting off on any journey, de-ice your car with several squirts of de-icer and a window ice scraper. This will remove excess ice until all windows are clear to see out of. Ensure the roof is also cleared to prevent any ice mounting onto the windscreen.
Check your tyres are the correct tread and pressure
It is important your tyres have enough grip on road surfaces. In winter, vehicles are at risk of skidding. Tyre pressure and tread depth should be checked to identify any cuts or bulges or if more air is required or new tyres are needed. Use a pressure gauge to monitor the tyre pressure against the recommendations in your vehicle’s handbook.  Place a 20p coin in the groove of the tyre to check if the tread depth is at least 1.6mm. (If the coin does not slot in, contact your local Express Fit Autocentres as the tread depth is insufficient).
Switch on your lights in poor visibility in Winter
Snow, rain, wind, fog, sleet and dark mornings and evenings are expected in Winter. By law, you are required to switch on your headlights if visibility is impaired to more than 100 metres. It is essential to turn on your fog lights in misty conditions to improve your view of the road. Ensure the windscreen wipers are working in preparation for heavy rain, sleet or snow. Look out for objects in the road to alert others by using appropriate signals i.e. hazard lights; windy weather can throw all sorts onto the road surfaces!  Express Fit Autocentres offer a Free Winter Health Check to increase your safety too.  

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