Driving on ICE

Despite an unseasonable start to the year in most parts of the UK, temperatures are predicted to drop in many places.

Icy roads are always a danger during the winter months, especially as it is sometimes a hidden danger in fog or darkness.

This week’s tips give advice on how to deal with driving on ice, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

• Only drive if it is really necessary. In very bad weather it is better to stay in or take public transport rather than risk an accident. Always check the weather and road conditions on your route before setting off
• Make sure you know how the demister settings on your car work and how to adjust them properly
• Never pour hot water on the windscreen as the sudden temperature change may cause cracks. Prevention is better than cure, so if possible cover the glass overnight with cardboard or an old sheet to prevent freezing, or invest in a windscreen cover. Adding boiling water or heating up a key can melt plastic components in modern car locks so be gentle when it comes to warming them up or use a squirt of de-icer
• If you haven’t done so already, get an antifreeze check at your local garage or fast-fit centre. Keep your washer bottle topped up with an even stronger concentration of de-icer
• It might sound like old advice, but you need to triple or quadruple the distance from other cars in front of you in icy conditions. If a car has to stop suddenly or  an accident occurs, you will need that extra time to react and stop

Richard said: “As ever preparation and planning are the key to worry-free driving when the mercury plummets. Plan your route carefully as major routes are likely to be treated with salt and less likely to be icy although this might still form in dips and on bridges. Leave more time for your journey. Respect the conditions and don’t expect your journey to take the same amount of time as normal. Factor in delays and give yourself plenty of time to clear the ice properly from all the windows of your car. A crystal clear view will give you the best chance of surviving the arctic blast.”

The Good Garage Scheme would like to to thank IAM RoadSmart for this week's reminder on safe driving in the winter.

For a Winter Check on your vehicle, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage here.

Don't be Dazzled by the Winter Sun

While any amount of sunshine is welcomed at this time of year, the glaring low winter sun is taking no prisoners.  In 2015 dazzling sun was a factor in over 2,500 crashes including 17 fatalities.  Even though we have many tools that aid in protecting us from the glare, we often forget to use them.

This week’s tips from from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, offers good advice on how to stay safe on the road with the glare of the sun on rampage...

Keep your windscreen clean both inside and out. Dirt or salt residue will magnify the effect of the sun.

Regularly check for chips or cracks on the outside of the windscreen. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure your washer bottle is kept well topped up with good quality screen fluid strong enough to avoid freezing.

Keep a cloth or chamois to wipe away the dirty film that builds up on the inside due to screen heating and condensation.

Use your sun visor. It may sound pretty standard but a surprising number of people forget.

Invest in polarized sunglasses and remember to take a rest. Your eyes will strain quickly if you are squinting.

Slow down and leave extra space between you and the driver ahead if you are dazzled. This will give you more time to regain full control and assess the situation. 

 

Richard said: “Low winter sun may not deliver a useful tan, but a clear view of the road ahead is vital if you are going to get through the winter as safely.”


To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website

Dangerous Sun Dazzle

Low sun can be potentially dangerous for many drivers at this time of year. The Good Garage Scheme welcomes advice from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) in this week's blog.

You will often see dirt and grime highlighted on your windscreen in low sun, so it’s important that you clean your windows. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the inside and make sure your washer bottle is filled with a good quality screen washer liquid.

A sun visor will not necessarily stop low sun from beaming into your windscreen. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your glove box so you can get to them easily.

With the night’s drawing in, ensure you switch on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so there is no possibility of other road users not seeing you.

Always drive at a steady speed, and if low sun is obstructing what you see ahead, slow down – this is particularly important at sharp bends where it’s important to have a clear view of the approaching hazard.
When road surfaces are wet, the dazzle from the sun is increased by its reflection in the water. Take care when driving on wet road surfaces and ease off the accelerator if necessary.

Look out for vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, mobility scooter and electric wheelchair users – they are all difficult to spot in low sun conditions. Always take extra precautions at known hazard spots such as schools, junctions and crossings.

If you’re affected by low sun, the chances are other drivers are too. Pay attention to vehicles around you and anticipate any sudden manoeuvres. As a rule of thumb, you should increase the stopping distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

Looking directly at low and sharp rays can affect your vision. If this happens to you, take a break from driving by stopping safely and legally.

Peter Rodger, the IAM's Head of Driving Standards said: “The key aspect of driving in low sunlight is how it reduces your vision. If you cannot see, you cannot drive the same way. Don’t continue at the same speed if you cannot see where you are going. It might sound obvious, but many drivers will battle on in near zero visibility despite being blinded by the sun. Trust your instincts – slow down and prepare to stop if this happens to you.”

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling.  The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 90,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving and motorcycling courses.

Is your car ready for the worst winter in 65 years?

According to meteorologists, this coming winter could be the worst in 65 years.  With the complex weather pattern known as El Nino predicted to be the strongest since 1950, experts are warning of a long, harsh winter with heavy snowfall.  As if it couldn’t get any worse, some reports are also heralding the early arrival of plunging temperatures and snowfall as soon as this month.

Even if you are not one to believe in early weather forecasts, it is always better to be safe than sorry, which is why we are advising motorists to get their vehicles checked now to minimise breakdowns and repairs when the winter weather arrives.

Salty roads and freezing conditions can cause problems for cars during the colder months, but being prepared beforehand can reduce this impact, not to mention the cost of repairs.

The Good Garage Scheme Winter Check will prepare your vehicle for driving in cold conditions.  This essential check not only carries out standard tests on bodywork, lights and suspension but will also address winter-specific concerns such as:

• Checking and recording antifreeze protection
• Carrying out a tyre report
• Checking the operation of interior and exterior lights
• Ensuring windscreen washers and wipers are in full working order
• Checking power steering operation and fluid levels

Ignoring the warning signs and simply waiting until your next annual service could mean your car faces problems and costly repairs this winter, particularly if the weather is to be as severe as is predicted.

It is quick and easy to find a reliable garage in your area offering the Good Garage Scheme Winter Check.  Simply visit our website and input your postcode to find a nearby garage. 

If you’re out and about this winter why not take our app with you?  A garage you trust will never be far away.

Get Ready for Your MOT Test

An MOT test is required by law to check that a vehicle is roadworthy and safe for the environment. It is due once your car is three years old and then annually.

According to the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) the top three items to fail an MOT are:

1. Headlight Aim

2. Tyre Tread Depth

3. Windscreen wipers

Headlight aim might have been off if you replaced a headlight since your last MOT and it is higher or lower than the other. Check your lights before your test. All lights will be tested so ask a friend or neighbour to help you check your lights are working and replace any if possible beforehand.

Tyre tread depth is easy to check with a 20p coin. If you can see the outer rim of the coin when you insert into the tyre grooves, they may need changing. Visit any Good Garage Scheme member garage to check if you are unsure.

Windscreen wipers do a tremendous amount of work and may need changing. This is something you can easily check and replace should they look worn. You can probably tell if they are not clearing the screen as smoothly as possible in bad weather but best to run your hand along to edge to check for cracks or wear.

Other items you can check before your test are seat belts, fluids in the car and bodywork.

Remember, an MOT is not a service. If you are looking to buy a car that has recently passed an MOT, ensure you also check when it was last serviced.

For more information about MOTs visit www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/the-mot-test

Spring is in the Air

As the UK emerges from the wettest winter since records began, the Good Garage Scheme is urging motorists to get their cars professionally checked to ensure they are safe and reliable in the months ahead.

Debris such as mud, stones, tree branches and extra water left behind in the wake of past storms has affected the surfaces of roads most noticeably with the increased number and size of potholes. These combined factors can have an adverse effect on a car’s vital components including the steering, suspension, wheels and tyres, as well as wiper blades, lights and heating systems that have been used extensively in the wet and windy weather. The good news for motorists is that the Good Garage Scheme's Spring Check is available at participating member garages from today.

The 21-point Spring Check provides an expert assessment of a vehicle’s condition, covering essential areas including the condition the brakes, tyres, wiper blades, windscreen and lights, as well as the coolant and engine oil.

With the first day of spring on 20th March and the prospect of warmer weather, the Good Garage Scheme is also recommending that motorists think about getting their air conditioning systems checked and cleansed. Harmful bacteria and mould may have built up in the ducts of car ventilation systems during the recent damp conditions, posing a health risk to drivers by circulating unpleasant bugs into the car.

Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and enter your postcode to find your local Good Garage Scheme workshop offering the Spring Check to ensure your car is in good health as the warm weather returns. Smartphone users can also download a free iPhone or Android app to help them locate a nearby Good Garage Scheme member anywhere in the UK. 

It's like having a friend in the know.

MOT Repairs Costing UK Motorists Billions

According to recent research from Allianz Your Cover Insurance, two in five cars fail their MOT test every year in the UK. Motorists are then reported to pay more than £2 billion in repairs and the cost of a second MOT to get their vehicle back on the road.

Here are the Top 5 reasons vehicles didn’t pass their MOT according to Allianz Your Cover's research:

• Damage to tyres (28%)
• Problems with the exhaust (17%)
• Windscreen wiper blades need replacing (14%)
• Defective headlights (12%) 
• Brake lights not working (10%)

Not only do these items cost motorists money in MOT bills and repairs, but damaged tyres and dysfunctioning brake lights are a real danger to all motorists. These are items that car owners should regularly check, but most of us lead busy lives and do not find the time.

Your local Good Garage Scheme member would be happy to check your tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and exhaust and advise if any need replacing. Simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and find a local trustworthy garage. The Good Garage Scheme website has over 600,000 customer reviews so that you can read feedback from previous customers before you visit.

It's like having a friend in the know!

Mind the Dazzle

Autumn is here, and it’s time to prepare the car for the season ahead.

Shorter days bring low sun earlier in the day. According to the Department for Transport figures, dazzling sun was responsible for twenty-three crash fatalities in 2010. Before starting an afternoon journey, try to ensure you have a good pair of sunglasses with you.

If the sun makes it difficult to see, slow down. If the sun is behind you, then it’s in the eyes of oncoming drivers who may not be able to see you. Low sun can dazzle you through your mirrors so check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.

Make it easier for other drivers to see you by turning on your headlights before sunset and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise.

Leaves falling from trees can cause more hazardous driving conditions both on the road and to your vehicle.

Hard acceleration or braking can cause skidding while dips and potholes hiding under the leaves covering the road can cause other problems.

Always make sure your windscreen is cleaned inside and out as low sun will highlight grime and scratches and ensure your wiper blades are in good condition.

Also, clear out the tray-like area under the bonnet, below the windscreen. They can fill up with water when it gets blocked with leaves. The water then seeps into the car’s electrics, causing expensive and potentially dangerous damage.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM (Institute for Advanced Motoring) for their advice on driving in autumn.

Easter Holiday Driving Advice from the IAM

If you’re driving somewhere nice this Easter to indulge in a spot of egg rolling and family feuding over whose fault it was that the Easter eggs were left next to the heater, consider taking some time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the trip.

At any time of year it is important that you check that all of your lights are working. You should also ensure that your tyre pressure is correct and that they have enough tread – particularly since you are likely to be facing some poor road surfaces after the wintry weather we have experienced in March.

What better time to give your car a spring clean? The grains of salt which have been spread on the roads over the winter period will inevitably have made their way on to your vehicle like tiny corrosive stowaways. Leaving a salt build-up can be damaging to your car, causing rust to appear.

When packing your vehicle for your journey, try to carry as little unnecessary weight as possible as this will increase your fuel consumption – do you really need those extra pairs of shoes? Pack your things as compactly as possible; making sure that nothing obstructs your view through the rear window.

Make sure your washer fluid is topped up before you leave, and give the windscreen and headlamps a quick clean when you stop for fuel.

If you’re taking the kids with you, it’s worth gathering up some tools to keep them occupied during the long periods spent on the road, in which you will need to concentrate, and they will need to be entertained. Portable DVD players and cordless games consoles are perfect, but don’t forget the headphones as the Super Mario Brothers tune may start to grate after an hour or two.

If you feel your eyelids getting heavy whilst driving, it’s likely that opening a window or turning the radio up will not cut it. Pull over somewhere suitable and safe, drink some strong coffee, and have a 20 minute nap while the caffeine takes effect. Sharing the driving is also a great option, if possible.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for their guest blog this week.  For more information about the IAM, visit www.iam.org.uk

If you are unsure if your car is up to a long journey to see family and friends over the Easter holidays, why not visit a Good Garage Scheme member near you that can offer a Spring Check for peace of mind?

Four days of bad weather result in claims exceeding £3 million

The snow encountered by the motoring public which began toward the end of last week was predicted to have a costly economic effect. 

Millions of workers were unable to reach their workplaces on time (if at all) due to the resultant road congestion. Public transport services were stifled. Those reliant on them for their commute to work plus those who drive were badly affected with many motorists experiencing car breakdowns or road blockages due to cars being stuck in the snow.

It led motoring organisations such as The Highways Agency and the RAC to advise motorists to avoid any non-essential travel but not all motorists were fazed by the poor weather and braved the elements.

Few could have predicted how many accidents and car insurance claims would result from it however. The AA’s car insurance team have released claims figures measured in a four day period from18th-21st January, a staggering 45% of which were as a result of the inclement weather at that time. In total, several hundred claims were received by the organisation with the total value of those claims being in excess of £3 million and affecting an estimated seven thousand vehicles.

Causes blamed for this include poor visibility from cars whose drivers have not removed insufficient amounts of ice and snow before starting journeys.
 
The AA’s car insurance director, Simon Douglas advised: “Good visibility is important at all times and especially so when the weather is poor. Pedestrians can slip off icy pavements while other vehicles can make unpredictable movements. You need the greatest opportunity to see what’s happening around you. People who drive around in cars that could be mistaken for an igloo are accidents waiting to happen. Not only can they see little of their surroundings but chunks of snow and ice fly off as they drive, posing a serious risk to pedestrians and other drivers.”

This was highlighted by the recent example of the Audi-driving motorist pictured driving down the M4 motorway with only a small section of the windscreen cleared. For the article containing an image of the vehicle, by Alistair Potter of Metro.co.uk please see here.

Rule 229 of The Highway Code states:

Before you set off
•    You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
•    You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
•    Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
•    Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
•    Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted

Drivers - Get Ready for Shorter Days

On Sunday, the clocks turn back an hour – winter will officially arrive. As the days become shorter, we’ll be experiencing dark mornings and evenings.
 
Darker evenings also see the road casualty rates increase. Here are some frightening facts from 2011:

• The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured in November was 14 per cent more than the monthly average.
• The number of cyclist casualties was 5 per cent higher.
• The rate of motorcycle casualties per vehicle mile was 28 per cent higher.

 
While the more vulnerable road users are at a significantly higher risk, cars on the road are also at risk. That’s why it’s important to take extra precautions when driving at night. Driving in the dark is a different experience to driving in the daylight. So keep an eye out for the motorcyclist in the darker clothing. Speed is difficult to judge while the following distances of other vehicles can be hard to see with a wall of headlights shining back at you.

Here’s some advice on adjusting your driving to the shorter days ahead.

• Turn your headlights on before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so that it’s easier for other drivers to see you in twilight. 
• It’s also important to make sure all your exterior lights are cleaned and working properly.  
• Keep the windscreen free of fallen leaves
• Make sure your windscreen and windows are clean both inside and out.

 
Make the most of other people’s lights – use the light shed by vehicles ahead or from roadside lights – not just street lights – to help you see further ahead.
On rural roads, drive on full beam whenever possible but dip your lights when faced with another road user to avoid dazzling them. If a driver approaching you fails to dip their own headlights, look away to the verge on the left-hand side to avoid being dazzled yourself. And make the most of other people’s lights – use the light shed by vehicles ahead or from roadside lights - not just street lights - to help you see further ahead.
 

If you are not sure if your car is in tip top condition for winter driving, take your car to a local Good Garage Scheme member for a Winter Check. Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.



The Good Garage Scheme wishes to thank the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) for the above article. For more information about the IAM, please visit their website.

Be Prepared for Autumn Driving

Low sun and dirty windscreens

Autumn is here and it’s time to prepare the car for the colder days ahead.
It might seem like there’s not much to do to prepare you and your car for the autumn. But with leafy days comes low sun. According to the Department for Transport figures, twenty-three people died in a crash because of dazzling sun in 2010. The dazzling sun is incredibly distracting so it’s important to take some precautions at this time of the year.

While it may seem obvious, try to make sure you keep a good pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment. If the sun makes it difficult to see, slow down. Be aware that if the sun is behind you, it’s in the eyes of oncoming drivers who may not see you. Low sun can dazzle you through your mirrors so be ready to dip the mirror and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.
As the days get shorter, remember to turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so that it’s easier for drivers to see you in twilight.
Low sun will highlight scratches and grime so clean your windows inside and out.
Clear out the tray-like area under the bonnet, below the windscreen. They can fill up with water when it gets blocked with leaves. The water then seeps into the car’s electrics, causing expensive and potentially dangerous damage.

Beautiful autumn leaves can be hazardous

Remember that leaves can be slippery, especially when wet. Avoid hard acceleration or braking as it can cause skidding. Be aware that there may be a dip, pothole or other road hazards hiding under the leaves, covering the road.

Give yourself extra time to clean the windscreen
As it gets further into autumn and the temperature drops, clear your windscreens of condensation or ice before setting off. Always give yourself extra time to ensure you can see though your windows clearly before starting your journey.

Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If they squeak as they wipe, it’s likely that they need replacing. Make sure they are turned off before starting the ignition to save the blades and the risk of a blown motor fuse when the frost hits.

Check your car's battery
Autumn takes its toll on car batteries. Keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Make sure the terminals are tight and free of corrosion. If a battery is more than three years old, check it now, you may start saving yourself many a frustrating start to a morning.

The Good Garage Scheme wishes to thank the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) for the above article. For more information about the IAM, please visit their website.