Winter car check – It’s that time of year again!
The winter months can be tough on your car. Taking precautions to make sure your car is ready for the dark mornings and evenings, rain and snow, can help prevent breakdowns and extra repair costs.
Our checklist offers an overview on what to consider during the colder months:
- Check your lights and indicators are all working properly, especially if you had an MOT at the beginning of the year. Replace bulbs and fuses and keep spares in your car in case one blows while you’re out and about.
- Cold weather can affect your battery’s charge and starting your car can need twice the usual current. Battery problems are the reason for more RAC call outs in winter than anything else, so get yours checked regularly, especially if it’s over three years old.1
- Top up your windscreen wash with concentrated anti-freeze screenwash that’s effective to at least minus 15°C.2 Keeping your windscreen clean can also extend the life of your wiper blades.
- Check the cooling system. Anti-freeze is important in helping stop freezing water from splitting engine hoses and pipes which can cause leaks. Cooling system problems are common reasons for engine breakdowns which can be even worse during winter.
What can invalidate your car insurance?
Reviewing your insurance policy can help prevent any problems should you need to make a claim. There are recurring factors which could invalidate your insurance.
Here is what you need to be aware of:
- Think twice before you dash into a shop while your car is still running, even if it’s just for a minute. Theft of your car when the keys are in the ignition, it’s unlocked, or the engine is active, can be viewed by your insurer as neglecting to keep your car safe, and your policy could be invalidated.
- Allowing someone, even a member of your family to drive your car when they’re not a ‘named driver’ can also negate your cover. If you want to add a second driver to your policy; talk to us.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence in the UK. If you are over the legal limit and prosecuted, you could receive a driving ban for a minimum of 12 months with immediate effect. If you’ve been convicted of another driving ban within the last 10 years, you could face a driving ban of up to 36 months. You could also face a maximum penalty of six months in prison and an unlimited fine, and your insurer might not cover you if you have an accident.3 The Metropolitan Police website is a good resource for further information on alcohol limits and their policy around the use of drugs when driving.
It’s well worth having the appropriate motor insurance all year round, not just during the winter months. Our team of experts can help you with a review of your motor insurance or provide a quote for a new policy.
Alternatively, email:
info@lloydwhyte.com
What matters to you, matters to us
1. https://www.startrescue.co.uk/news/motoring-tips/10-ways-the-cold-weather-can-affect-your-car
3. https://www.jmw.co.uk/blog/motoring-law/how-many-points-for-drink-driving
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