With temperatures dropping across the country this week and further snow and ice forecast in the coming days, motorists are encouraged to drive with extra caution to prevent accidents.
It’s important for motorists to ensure their car is prepared for bad weather conditions and to help, SEAT Ireland has compiled its top tips on how to prepare for adverse weather.
TYRE SAFETY
It is advised that drivers check their tyres all year round to ensure they are safe for the road, however during the winter months it’s best to check the tyres more regularly.
While the engine is off, have a look at each tyre and keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear such as uneven tyre threads, scratches, slashes or other damage to the tyre surface.
Ensure to check the pressure on each tyre to confirm they are at the correct level – this information should be provided by the car manufacturer.
VISIBILITY
Ice and snow can also impair a driver’s visibility on the road. Before starting a journey, motorists should scrape off any ice that has accumulated on the windscreen and ensure wind screen wipers are working properly. It’s useful to have an ice scraper on board to clear the windscreen.
This small tool is easy to transport and a feature of the SEAT Ateca is that it has a space to attach it to the fuel tank cover.
It’s important to carefully unstick the wiper blades and turn on the car’s heating before using it to make it easier to scrape the ice.
Never use hot water to remove ice or snow from the car as this could cause the glass to shatter.
DRIVING IN THE FOG
When driving in the fog, drivers should reduce their speed and increase the distance between other vehicles on the road.
Increasing the distance between their car and other vehicles, ensures the driver has enough time to stop suddenly if required.
Fog lights should be used during periods of poor visibility and lane markings should be followed. Remember to turn off the fog lights when conditions improve to avoid dazzling other drivers on the road.
DRIVING IN ICE OR SNOW
In icy or snowy conditions, it is important to drive slowly and be ready for the unexpected. When driving in snowy or icy conditions ensure to pay careful attention to dark patches on the road where there could be black ice.
Turn the wheel gently and lightly step on the brake until you’re over the ice patch and the wheels begin to gain grip again.
Drivers should refrain from turning the steering wheel excessively and brake in a straight line with the necessary force.
SHINE A LIGHT IN THE DARK
At night, heavy snow can make it even more difficult to see inside and outside the car. The extendible torch from SEAT can be used both to search for lost objects inside the vehicle and to illuminate the exterior surroundings or fix a puncture.
A HOT COFFEE TO PERK YOU UP
Motorists stuck in a traffic jam due to snow, can prepare a hot coffee from the comfort of their own car with SEAT’s portable coffee maker. Motorists simply have to connect it to any 12V outlet inside the car and enjoy a delicious espresso on the go. All you must do is provide the capsules.
FULLY EQUIPPED FOR CONDITIONS
Before setting off, drivers should ensure they have enough fuel in the tank for the journey. It’s also useful to carry an emergency torch, water, warm clothing, a high visibility jacket and a blanket if expecting poor weather conditions.
The SEAT Ateca, Arona and Leon are equipped with wireless charging ports so drivers can ensure they have sufficient battery in the event of an emergency.
By following SEAT Ireland’s winter driving recommendations, you can take to the road without having to worry about the harsh winter weather.
For more information on keeping your SEAT road worthy this winter or to purchase any SEAT accessory, contact your local authorised SEAT retailer via phone.
