Snow/Cold weather motoring - Practical preparation?

BeardyGit

Okay, so we Irish are a bit inexperienced in driving/motoring in the snow, although some of us might have more experience than others, along with our foreign national contributors. How about we add practical tips that'll make things more comfortable?

1. Along with your window scraper pack a soft bristle brush, like you use with a dustpan. Ideal for sweeping snow off the windscreen and side/rear windows. Won't leave a layer of ice like using your wash/wipe will.

2. Blanket/sleeping bag, a couple of bars of chocolate and something warm in a flask for any trips where you might end up stuck (motorway queues/breakdowns/closures etc) Won't take more than a few minutes to prepare, but 'priceless' once you get caught up in it....

3. Replace crappy batteries now. If you've not left the lights on or the car parked up for a few weeks and you've had to have a jump start already, chances are your batteries on the way out. Carry jump leads or better still, swap out the battery now before you end up stuck somewhere.

4. If you've taken the first aid kit, warning triangle and high viz vests out of your car, make sure you've put them back before you get caught out. I've seen today the worst that can happen....not a nice sight/encounter. High viz kit and a first aid kit made it safer for other motorists and those who stopped to help.

Anyone else? Just practical stuff - Nobody's going to learn how to drive on snow here, but I'm sure lots of us have some suggestions aside from the actual act of driving etc.

Oh, and a happy and safe holiday for all!

kasper

keep the charge up on mobile phone and keep numbers handy for breakdown assist if you are a member

CJhaughey

A good torch and spare batteries, Pair of good gloves in case of having to change a wheel etc.

Voodoomelon

Here's a nice tip. If your doors and handles are frozen solid in the mornings, spray the door seals with silicon spray, it will stop any moisture on the surface from sticking and freezing. It also protects the rubber.
Spray it around your handles too, if you have an old car the handles can snap off when frozen. Play it safe and use the handle to unlock the door, and then pull the door wide with your other hand.

dnme

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Here's a nice tip. If your doors and handles are frozen solid in the mornings, spray the door seals with silicon spray, it will stop any moisture on the surface from sticking and freezing. It also protects the rubber.
Spray it around your handles too, if you have an old car the handles can snap off when frozen. Play it safe and use the handle to unlock the door, and then pull the door wide with your other hand.

or a kettle of warm water

slimjimmc

Gil_Dub wrote: »

1. Along with your window scraper pack a soft bristle brush, like you use with a dustpan. Ideal for sweeping snow off the windscreen and side/rear windows. Won't leave a layer of ice like using your wash/wipe will.

• Bring a plastic dustpan too, it's far better at shifting snow than the brush alone especially if the snow has frozen.
• Full tank of fuel, or in a spare can.
• Keep your washer tank topped up with a winter-grade mix of windscreen fluid. Give the washers a squirt after topping up to make sure the lines are full of the fluid so help prevent them freezing up.
• Spare socks and dry footwear in case your feet get wet in the snow.
• If you have ski-wear bring that too, perfect for this sort of weather.
• Frozen door lock? Heat your key with cigarette lighter (does not apply to remote controls )
• Park your car in gear with handbrake off, if safe, to prevent a frozen-up handbrake stalling your journey before it starts.

Seth Brundle

Porn for those long (or short) periods alone in the car!
This practical advice should be followed all year round!

O.A.P

dnme wrote: »

or a kettle of warm water

If you pour hot water on a door lock when its below 0 and the temp dont get above 0 all day you have a big problem getting into the car later on. I found this out the hard way but wont forget it.

The Express

Empty your glovebox of those cheeky Snickers bars that often come in handy as a tasty get-me-home treat as you leave work.

The caramel and nougat loveliness develops a very unpalatable stiffness in these icy times - with the potential to damage one's dentals.

As I found earlier today....

Wishbone Ash

slimjimmc wrote: »

• Full tank of fuel, or in a spare can

:eek: Insurance companies will love that!

Mycroft H

I was shown this just before the start of this cold snap.

to prevent your windscreen from been frozen, the night before douse it with warm water to clear whatevers on it, then place several sheets of newspaper on it held on with the wipers. And when you remove the newspaper in the morning, thers no ice on the windscreen

Works great in the landrover cos the demister could take a half hour just to clear an icy windscreen