During winter, the cleanliness of a car can be quickly compromised by dirt, mud, and street gritting. The resulting black grime can diminish visibility and lead to a breakdown. GEM Motoring Assist suggests daily safety checks and has provided some tips for keeping cars clean and safe during winter. With country roads being particularly dirty due to extra layers of mud from farms and low overnight temperatures obscuring windscreens with frost, regular cleaning is essential. Neglecting this could result in car lights becoming less effective, unreadable number plates, and difficulty in seeing through the windscreen.
Best tips for a clean ride in Winter
Winter weather can take a toll on your car, and it’s important to take care of it to ensure your safety on the road. Here are some tips to help you keep your car clean and in good condition during the colder months:
- Wash, wipe and rub: Dirt can accumulate quickly on your car during winter, making it difficult to see through the windows and obscuring your lights. Before each journey, take a few minutes to wipe down your car and ensure all the lights and windows are free of grime.
- Top up your washer bottle: You may go through a lot of water when driving in dirty conditions, so make sure to check and top up your washer bottle regularly. Don’t wait for the warning light to come on.
- Stop scraping your blades: Using your wipers to clear ice can damage the blades and cause stress on the wiper system. Also, don’t use your wipers to shift dirt if your windscreen wash is empty or frozen. Take the time to clear your windscreen properly to prevent damage to your wipers and ensure your visibility.
- Get down under: The underside of your car is particularly vulnerable to salt and dirt, which can cause damage. Regularly hose down the underside of your car to minimise the chances of damage, and hose off any excess mud from brake discs.
- Take it easy: Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to complete your journey. By slowing down, you’ll reduce the risk of skidding due to sudden manoeuvres, and also minimise the spray and dirt that gets thrown up by your wheels.
- Keep your distance: Avoid following too closely behind lorries and other heavy vehicles. This is not only safer but also reduces the levels of salt, dirt and other debris that gets sprayed onto your car.