UK Motorists Warned by Firefighters to Clear Snow Before Driving
Firefighters in Wilmslow caution drivers to ensure their vehicles are snow-free to avoid dangerous situations on the road
Wilmslow, UK, Firefighters, Snow, Driving Safety
Wilmslow: So, there’s been some serious snow, and firefighters are sounding the alarm. They’ve seen some close calls on the roads lately, and it’s all about being prepared.
One driver in a Mini thought they were good to go after clearing the windscreen. But guess what? They left snow on the roof. When they hit the brakes, the snow slid down and blocked their view. Yikes!
Wilmslow Fire Station shared a pic of the car and reminded everyone to clear all the snow off their vehicles. They stressed that it’s not enough to just clear a little patch. You’ve got to make sure your whole car is ready for the winter roads.
It turns out a lot of drivers aren’t prepared for bad weather. A survey showed that 17% don’t even have an ice scraper, and many don’t carry spare tires or first aid kits. That’s a bit worrying!
Richard Evans from webuyanycar talked about how the cold can mess with your car if you’re not ready. He mentioned that the battery might struggle, and all the fluids can thicken up, which is not good news for your engine.
And let’s not forget about tire pressure. It can drop with the temperature, so keep an eye on that. Your car’s system should help you out, but it’s good to check manually too.
So, what should you keep in your car this winter? An ice scraper is a must, and it’s illegal to drive with snow or ice on your windows. You might also want an empty fuel can, a hi-vis jacket, and some jump leads. A shovel can be a lifesaver if you get stuck in the snow.
Evans also shared some tips for driving on icy roads. Take it easy on the gas and brakes, keep a big gap between you and the car ahead, and stay in a higher gear for better grip. If you start to skid, don’t panic—just steer into it and ease off the gas.