With predictions of snowfall in Scotland later this week, the car hire company Europcar is offering drivers a set of top tips for winter driving.
The UK Met Office has issued warnings of frequent and occasionally heavy snow showers in the north and northwest of Scotland later this week. In response to this news Europcar, the biggest car hire services company in Europe, is calling on drivers to make use of its winter driving advice.
The Managing Director of Europcar UK Ken McCall explains:
"So far this winter, UK motorists have had it relatively easy with mild temperatures and only small pockets of bad weather.
"However that also means that we've been lulled into a false sense of security - so when bad weather does arrive we could be more easily caught out. We therefore thought it was worth offering motorists some useful tips on winter driving. In particular, we think these tips will be useful for people hiring a car because they may feel less confident in an unfamiliar vehicle.
"Car hire is, however, a great solution for motorists who may feel that they would like to have a more reliable vehicle than their own - perhaps if theirs is older. A hire car from Europcar will be fully maintained, safe, reliable and covered by 24 hour roadside assistance."
Top Tips
Be sure to allow plenty of time for journeys and ensure that you have a full tank of fuel before setting out on a journey, in case you need to take a longer route due to poor conditions.
If you are starting a journey before dawn or after dusk then take a few moments to allow your eyes to become accustomed to the dark before moving off.
Make sure that all of the windows are completely clear of snow, ice and mist before you set out.
Take a pair of sunglasses with you, to combat glare from low winter sun.
Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which is often found in areas that are shadowed from the sun.
Take extra car at twilight, which is an especially dangerous time for driving.
If you start to skid then do not hit the brakes. Instead, ease back on the accelerator and try to steer in the direction of the skid.
If you get stuck, then clear snow from around the wheels to give your vehicle a chance to grip on the road. A bit of old carpet placed on the ground can improve traction.
Look out for fog, and be sure to use your fog lights. But you must also remember to turn them off when they aren't needed anymore, to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Allow for a longer braking distance.
Remember that cyclists and pedestrians will be less visible, and watch your speed.
Keep up to date with weather warnings and act on them. Be prepared to cancel your journey if necessary.
Be prepared for the danger of getting stranded by taking warm clothing. This is especially important if you are going somewhere remote.
Make sure that the windscreen washer is topped up.
Keep a bottle of water and some food, such as chocolate, in your vehicle in case you break down.
