There are several winter habits that British drivers should avoid if they don’t want to risk landing a huge fine of up to £10,000, a car expert has warned.
With temperatures plummeting and Met Office officials saying snow and ice is increasingly likely over the Christmas period, many motorists throughout the UK could be forced to travel in difficult conditions. To avoid any unexpected fines, points on driving licences and dangerous situations, there are seven things drivers should be particularly aware of. The list includes common procedures that a lot of motorists go through in cold and wet conditions, such as defrosting car windows by leaving the engine on or failing to clean the number plate after getting it dirty.
Many Brits make an error whilst defrosting their car that could prove costly (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dorry Potter, a car expert from , has listed seven things all UK motorists should be aware of over the winter period.
Leaving your engine running whilst defrosting your car
The Road Traffic Act 1998 declares it is an illegal offence to leave your engine on whilst you clear away snow and ice from outside your vehicle. Although it can make driving conditions safer by defrosting the car, it can land drivers an initial £20 fine. It can also be a bad idea because if you leave your engine running unattended to warm your vehicle up it can compromise insurance by failing to meet the duty of care clause, meaning if it is stolen the insurer may not pay out.
Broken lights
As it gets darker at an earlier time during the winter, it’s even more important for motorists to check if all their lights are working. If stopped by the police with a broken light, you could be given a penalty of £100. If it’s in a dangerous condition, for example if the broken light has sharp edges, the fine could increase to £2500 with an additional three points on your licence.
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Tyre treads
Winter tyres tend to need treads of around 3mm to be suitable for winter driving. Be sure that your tyres are up to scratch as you can be fined up to £2,500 per tyre, meaning £10,000 altogether.
Car battery
Cold weather can impact a car’s battery life as it affects the chemical process that produces electricity. It’s important to make sure the battery is turned on every few weeks the car isn’t used regularly, whilst even if it is used regularly it is worth getting it checked and seeing if a replacement is needed.
Dirty licence plate
A dirty licence plate can land a huge fine of up to £1,000 under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. In wintery conditions, mud and grit can cover up the plate so drivers should make sure it is clean and readable before they set off on any journey.
Emergency kit
Although drivers won’t get fined for not having an emergency kit, it is still a good idea to take one when driving in harsh conditions. If you end up in a position where your car gets stuck, it’s important that you are prepared. An emergency kit packed with a torch, shovel, blanket, food and drink is recommended.
Check your coolant
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze and is pumped around the engine to keep it at the right temperature. Over the winter, drivers should be particularly careful to make sure it is at the right level on the tank and not over the maximum.
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