Whether winter is coming and you’re concerned about driving in bad weather, or if you simply want to make being in your car a safer experience, there are simple modifications you can make to your car and lifestyle to ensure a safe journey.
Read on to see our five changes you can make today.
1. Install a Dash-Cam
A dash-cam is a small camera mounted on your dashboard. They face the road and have a tamper-proof way to track the time at which something occurs -- this makes them a great source of evidence. It’s an easy way to declare who is at fault in an accident or even report a crime. Examples include but are not limited to speeding, car crashes, scratches, and even reporting dangerous dog breeds that cause damage.
What’s more, dash-cam footage is often now accepted in insurance claims as a form of evidence.
2. Change Your Tires
If you live in a place where harsh winters and hot summers are likely, you should consider having two sets of tires. You can buy specific winter tires for the colder months and summer tires for the warmer months and swap them out as the weather changes.
However, if you have similar weather patterns all year round, all-season tires are ideal for your car.
Be sure to check the tread on your tires to ensure that they’re safe.
3. Keep An Emergency Kit
There are many items you can store in your car regardless of the weather. It’s crucial to keep a first aid kit in your car comprising of:
- Bandaids
- Tape
- Antibacterial wipes or gel
Some other things to keep in your emergency kit include:
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Reflective triangle in case you break down
- Distress sign
- Toolkit
- Spare tire
In cold weather, you should also always be sure to take a hot drink in a flask on any journey in case you get stuck. An ice scraper and spade are also good additions to your kit. If your car can help tow another vehicle, consider a tow rope and jump leads as well.
4. Do Basic Maintenance
Even if you already keep on top of your car’s maintenance, it’s a good idea to make some tweaks before winter comes. Doing regular maintenance is a great way to avoid breakdowns and hefty bills further down the line. You can do easy checks, including your car’s fluids -- oils, fuels, antifreeze, and brakes. You should also regularly check your:
- Wipers
- Heater
- Headlights
- Exhaust
5. Drive Carefully
While driving carefully is the most obvious way to make any journey in your car safer, it’s also the most important. While driving, you have to be 100% focused on the task at hand: you should not divert your attention to your phone at any time. It’s important to be conscious of your speed and the speed limit -- by driving slower, your brain has more time to react to situations.
The best way to do this is to allow plenty of time on your journey for breaks and slow drivers. This means you’re not pressured or rushed into speeding or making poor decisions. Always allow spare time to pull over to eat, drink or rest to avoid driving while tired.
Invest in Car Safety Today
It’s easy to overlook the simple things when we think of car safety, but it’s always better to prevent accidents and ensure safe journeys every time. Driving slower, doing basic maintenance, and always having an emergency kit at hand can make all the difference -- you won’t regret these smart and lifesaving investments.
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