If you loved Scotland under its warm sunny weather, you’ll be more amused when it’s already covered in white, fluffy snow. It’s magical and fun but not for most drivers.
Unlike most parts of Scotland, the Highlands get a good volume of snow which normally starts falling in November and lasts until March. This can be a challenge to drivers with small or lowered cars.so it might be a good idea to take them to car garages near you and have them conditioned for the long winter.
Scotland Winter Road Condition
Scotland has a good road network that is carefully maintained throughout the year. Roads are regularly gritted in winter and any heavy snowfall is cleared as quickly as possible.
However, it’s always sensible to check road conditions before setting off on any journey in winter, and to adjust your driving style to suit the conditions.
8 Ways to Get Your Car Conditioned for Winter Driving
Although most of the roads are maintained daily to make sure that the snow won’t cause any major motor accident, you should be responsible enough to know how to stay alert when driving, slow down when it feels slippery, and stay in control of the wheel.
Remember, when driving on slippery winter roads, the keys to safety are slower speeds, increased following distances, and gentler stops and turns. Make sure to reduce your speed to half of the posted speed limit too as this is the recommended speed when driving on snow.
Apart from that, it would be best to winterize your vehicle before the season strikes in November. Schedule your maintenance checkup with your preferred car garages in Inverness that specialize in tyres, tyre pressure, battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater, defroster, wipers, and ignition system.
If you are not sure which shop does well, you can simply Google “car repair garage near me” and choose the ones with good reviews. Check IT Garage Services too and choose among our top quality services at competitive prices.
Now, here are ten things you should pay attention to for safer winter driving:
1. Get an Oil Change
Have your engine oil changed with the right kind that has the right viscosity for winter. Oil thickens as it gets colder and if you use your regular oil on winter, it might not be able to keep your engine lubricated.
2. Have Your Windshield Wiper Checked/Replaced
It’s going to snow heavily soon so be sure your wiper is in good condition to wipe it off your windshield to give you a clear view of the road.
Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid not water that easily freezes. Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.
3. Is your Battery Alive?
Make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested by any of the certified car garages in Inverness near you for its ability to hold a charge. You wouldn’t want to get stick in the middle of the road, feeling frozen while waiting for a good Samaritan to help you jump start.
4. Examine Belts and Hoses
Even if you have a modern car, winter weather can affect your belts and hoses. You shouldn’t risk your life driving with damaged belts that directly affect your engine performance or hoses that are connected to your tanks.
5. Check Tyre Pressure
Tyres should have the right pressure for them to have a good traction with the snowy road. Have them properly inflated at car garages Inverness near you before setting out on the road.
Pressure tends to drop lower to at least 1 pound per square inch every time the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. So it is important to check once the winter season enters. see where things stand now.
6. Switch to Winter Tyres
If you think the snow is getting thicker or you have a trip to hilly parts of the Highlands this coming winter, you consider changing tyres.
When shopping around for snow tyres, ask about all the fees that might come into play, such as fees for mounting and balancing. Of course, you can do it on your own but it’ll be best to have an expert at the IT Garages Services install them to make sure that the condition is properly set for the winter.
7. Antifreeze Should be Mixed Properly
The coolant or antifreeze should have a 50-50 ratio for the winter. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures.
It’s easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, but you can’t always be sure of its accuracy. But it’s still best to have an expert do the work. Be sure y, too, you’re equipped to dispose of your old antifreeze properly if you do this job yourself. It can’t just be poured down the drain
8. Learn the Basic Repairs In Case You Get Stranded Don’t wander away from your car unless you’re completely sure about where you are and how far away help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. Put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you’re waiting for help. Leave at least one window open a little bit so that snow and ice don’t seal the car shut.
Be sure to save numbers of towing companies too and car repair shops like IT Garage Services so you can be rescued right away.
The winter season can be detrimental for cars, which is why it’s important drivers prepare well in advance of when the harshest conditions arrive. IT Garage Services is among the best car garages in Inverness that can condition any vehicle for the upcoming winter season. Be sure to schedule your visit early.
