Cost-saving ideas to make sure you’re safe while driving in wintry weather
DRIVING in wintry weather can be tiring and scary.
Reports show more than one in five accidents are caused by bad weather.
To help steer you in the right direction, I asked Chris Barella of Euro Car Parts, for safety tips and added my cost-saving ideas . . .
CHECK YOUR WIPERS: Chris says: “To ensure your visibility remains unaffected during bad weather, you should check to see if your wiper blades need replacing. You should also make sure your washer fluid is full.”
My tip: A five litre bottle of Ready To Use screenwash is £2.50 at Wilko — the cheapest I’ve seen recently.
BOLSTER YOUR BRAKES: Wet weather conditions can almost double a car’s stopping distance, plus tyres have less grip.
My tip: You can book a free six-point brake check at Halfords.com, but for a more comprehensive look, Kwik-Fit are offering a free eight-point check. Book at kwik-fit.com/brakes/free-brake-check.
INSPECT YOUR TYRES: Will they cope in the treacherous conditions? The legal minimum for tyre tread is 1.6mm.
My tip: A tread gauge is £14.99 at Screwfix, but you can use a 20p coin instead. Just put the coin in the tyre tread — you shouldn’t be able to see any of the outer rim of the coin. If you can, then the tyre is below the legal limit.
TURN THE AIR CON ON: Driving in the rain can cause your windows to steam up. Using your air conditioning, alongside the heater, will help to prevent the car misting up.
My tip: Have a cloth in the car to wipe away any condensation. A demister pad at Halfords is £3, but you can get one at Euro Car Parts for 99p.
HOW ARE YOUR HEADLIGHTS?: Checking that your headlights, fog lights and brake lights work is vitally important.
My tip: If you need new bulbs Halfords can fit them for £8. Or you could watch a tutorial online to change them yourself.
Deal of the day
THE Bulldog sensitive skincare wash bag gift set is on offer for £10 at Superdrug, reduced from £24.
SAVE: £14
Cheap treat
BUY a 1.3kg bag of McCain Roasts at Iceland for £2, down from £3 – and bag a free roasting tray while stocks last.
SAVE: £1
Giselle’s Little Helper
VODAFONE will offer a range of free Christmas treats through its VeryMe Rewards app, including a Candy Kittens sweet bundle, wrapping paper from Pretty Gifted, a digital Christmas recipe book, a hot drink from Greggs and a movie rental from CHILI.
Top swap
THIS No7 illuminated make-up mirror is £17.99 at Boots, but you can buy the similar one for £12 at Wilko.
SAVE: £5.99
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