How to prepare your Mercedes for the Winter
Temperatures are tumbling, and many of us are opening the curtains to find our cars covered in ice. With winter looming, and weeks of cold weather, rain and frost on the horizon, it’s crucial to ensure that your car is ready for action. If you commute to work, you’ve got a road trip planned over the festive period, or your Mercedes is responsible for the school run every morning, here are some useful winter driving tips.
Getting Your Mercedes Ready for Winter
When it comes to driving in winter, prevention is always better than cure. It’s not always possible to avoid breaking down or being involved in unexpected incidents, but there are several steps you can take to steer clear of trouble. If your car is due a service, don’t wait for the New Year or put it off until you start to hear odd noises or worry about crunching gears or squeaking brakes. Book your service now, and if you do have any concerns, get them checked out as a priority. Before you get in the car, it’s also wise to check your tyre pressure and your oil and screen wash levels. If you have a new Mercedes, you’ll find that warning lights and alerts pop up on the dashboard if a service is due or there any issues that need addressing.
Before you take a long trip in your Mercedes, it’s also advisable to check fuel levels and to plan your route to ensure that there are places to stop if you need to top up your tank.
What to Take With You in the Winter
The risk of breaking down or running into issues on the roads may be higher in the winter, especially if the weather conditions are poor. If you’re heading out, even on a relatively short trip, make sure you take warm clothing and waterproof layers, food and drink, a blanket and a first aid kit with you. You’ll also need a warning triangle and it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a torch and make sure you have an in-car phone charger. In extreme conditions, it can also be useful to carry a sleeping bag in the boot.
Safe Winter Driving Tips
Driving in winter is notoriously tricky. When the roads are icy or slippery, it’s foggy, there is snow falling and the sun sets at 3pm, drivers encounter all kinds of challenges. If visibility is poor or the road surface is icy, take your time, use your lights, and give other vehicles plenty of time and space. If there is snow on the road, try and stick to the main roads, and keep an eye on the forecast. Listen out for advice, and don’t travel unless you absolutely have to if there are severe weather warnings in place. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so consider delaying your journey if heavy snow is forecast. If you do find yourself driving in snow, reduce your speed, use a lower gear and maintain momentum when travelling uphill.
Driving in winter can be difficult due to the weather conditions. If you’re planning a festive road trip, or you commute to work or take the kids to school on a daily basis, it’s beneficial to make sure your car is in good working order, to pack supplies in the boot and to check the forecast before you go. If you have any questions, or you’d like advice about getting your Mercedes ready for chillier climes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Sinclair Mercedes of South Wales.
