Tag: winter driving

Five ways to make your car cosier

Motorists have been offered five ways to warm up their car during the chilly weather.

Travel experts from LeaseCar.uk are encouraging drivers to buy a pair gloves, make hot drinks or buy extra heating devices in order to brave the cold.

Many cars now come with the luxury of heated seats, or even heated steering wheels, whilst these luxuries aren’t available in every car, there are now plug-in alternatives.

However, the age-old favourite of letting the engine heat up shouldn’t be ignored, as this ensures hot air will be emitted.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “Being warm and comfortable whilst you’re driving is very important, being too cold can be extremely distracting.

“There are age old hacks such as warming the engine up before you set off and ensuring you’re wearing plenty of layers, and these shouldn’t be sniffed at.

“However, modern inventions such as heated seats and steering wheels provide a little more luxury and can be more effective at heating you up.”

These are LeaseCar.uk’s top tips for making cars cosy:

1. Gloves

Fingers are often the first to feel the cold, so keeping them warm in gloves is a must. Driving gloves are very common and can range in price from £20 to £200. Depending on whether you want the finest supple leather, or a basic material which will do the job, there’s a pair of gloves for you.

2. Steering wheel cover

When driving you always have to have two hands on the wheel, which means that touching a very cold steering wheel will undoubtedly make the driver feel the freeze. You can invest in a furry steering wheel cover which will feel warmer than cold plastic.

3. In-car heater

If your car heating doesn’t quite cut it, you can purchase an in-car heater. It plugs into the power socket and you can stick it onto the dashboard, allowing it to circulate heat throughout the car. If you’re someone who particularly feels the cold you can even use it at the same time as your normal heating.

4. Plug in seat warmer

If your car doesn’t come with heated seats, that doesn’t mean they’re something you can only dream of. You can buy seat covers which plug into the cigarette lighter and have a heating system in them, meaning you can enjoy a warm comfortable drive.

5. Hot drinks

Another way to warm your cold fingers and hands is to think ahead and prepare, or buy, a warm cup of coffee or tea. Perfect to wake you up during the commute but the got air it emits will also help increase the temperature of the car.

The motorists’ guide to driving in winter

Ice, wind and snow are some of the driving conditions motorists have been advised how to tackle in a new driving guide.

Driving experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have created a guide to driving in winter so motorists are prepared and safe on the roads no matter what the weather.

The key in most difficult conditions is to slow down and ensure drivers are in complete control of the vehicle.

Watching how other motorists are tackling the weather will also help prepare drivers for what is coming up ahead of them.

A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Wintertime is undoubtedly the hardest time of year to be hitting the roads. 

“With short days it means that many journeys are taken in the dark and the unpredictable weather could mean you’re tackling wind one day and snow the next.

“This handy little guide provides the key points you should be aware of when driving in all winter weather conditions.”

This is LeaseVan.co.uk’s ultimate winter driving guide:

1. Ice

Ensure your vehicle is fully defrosted if there’s been a particularly cold night. Check your tyre tread and inflation levels in order to give you as much traction as possible when on icy surfaces. Driving slowly and in higher gears will give you more control over the vehicle and helping you cope with increased stopping distances. It’s important to remember not to brake or accelerate too quickly as this is a sure way to lose control. 

2. Wind

It’s important to keep a firm grip on your steering wheel when tackling strong winds. As always, you should be driving in the centre of the lane as this allows a small amount of wiggle space if the wind does push you to one side. Take special care when overtaking – beware of sudden gusts as you clear the vehicle, especially if it is large. 

3. Heavy rain

It’s important to driver slower when it’s raining due to the roads being wetter giving the vehicle less grip. This means that you will need a bigger space to come to a complete stop than when driving in the dry. Heavy rain can also have a large impact on visibility, which again means you should slow down. Reducing speed will also help reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

4. Darkness

Your lights are your best friends when driving in the dark, but it’s important to use them responsibly. Many vehicles now come with automatic lights, but if you have a vehicle which doesn’t it’s important to remember to turn them on, and off, when needed. Stick to full beam lights if you’re on a motorway or lit road. If you’re on a quiet country road remember to turn your fog lights on and off as and when you approach other vehicles. 

5. Snow

If you end up in snow, set off in second gear as this helps avoid wheelspin. Stay in the lower gears to keep as much control as possible, even when going downhill. The key to driving in snow is to break, accelerate and change gears as smoothly and gently as you can. 

Traffic Scotland: Be prepared for winter driving

Are You Ready for Winter?

Traffic Scotland is here to ensure road users are provided with current and reliable information regarding the Trunk Road Network. We aim to ensure the travelling public have all available facts to make an informed decision about their journey. Continue reading Traffic Scotland: Be prepared for winter driving