Get prepared for Winter motoring

Get prepared for Winter motoring

The Autumn weather is fast arriving with colder, darker mornings and evenings.

Please make sure your vehicle is winter ready. Many garages will offer vehicle health checks at this time of year and some are even free of charge.

Key things to check...

FLOWER Mnemonic

• F – Fuel (adequate level for the journey)

• L – Lights (headlights, brake lights, and indicators working)

• O – Oil (checked cold using the dipstick)

• W – Water (coolant and washer fluid levels)

• E – Electrics (battery secure and functional)

• R – Rubber (tyre pressures, tread depth, and no sidewall damage)

Its essential that before you start a journey you ensure that all the windows in your vehicle are defrosted and demisted.

If you are caught driving with impaired vision due to ice, condensation or mist, you could be subject to the below...

On-the-spot fine: £100 fixed penalty notice and 3 penalty points on your driving licence (for basic careless/obstructed vision offences).

Court-imposed fines: Up to £1,000 for standard obstructed vision, or rising to £2,500 if your vehicle is deemed in a dangerous condition.

Severe cases or accidents caused by poor visibility can lead to mandatory penalty points, court prosecution, or driving disqualification.

If you cause an accident because your view was obscured by mist, your car insurance provider may invalidate your claim, leaving you financially liable.

How to Demist Quickly and Safely

• Turn on the heater: Direct the airflow firmly toward the windscreen. Start with cooler air or gradually raise the temperature as the engine warms.

• Activate the air conditioning (AC): Turn on the AC alongside the heater—it acts as a dehumidifier to strip moisture out of the cabin air faster.

• Turn off air recirculation: Ensure fresh air is being pulled in from the outside rather than recycling damp cabin air.

• Open the windows slightly: On dry or cool days, cracking a window helps equalize the humidity and temperature difference inside and outside the car.