Many of us use our cars every day, but winter driving can present a whole new set of challenges.
From icy roads to frosty windscreens, there’s a lot that can affect our journeys, which is why it’s crucial to ensure your car is safe before setting off each morning.
Kyung Ho Min, a dash cam expert at Thinkware, has outlined seven essential checks that Brits should be making every morning before hitting the road.
Clear your windscreens
Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s important to wait until your entire windscreen is defrosted before setting off. Even a little ice could significantly impair your vision, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
A high-quality ice scraper and de-icer will swiftly clear your windows, mirrors and headlights. Don’t forget to remove any snow from your car roof too, as it could slide onto your windscreen and cause problems.
Inspect your tyres
Your tyres are your first line of defence against slippery roads, so it’s crucial they’re in top-notch condition. Low tread or incorrect pressure can even lead to accidents.
Tyre pressure often drops in cold weather, so make sure to regularly check the pressure and ensure the tread depth is at least 3mm for optimal grip. You might even consider switching to winter tyres for improved traction.
Check your car’s fluids
Low or even frozen fluids can result in your car breaking down, which would be a nightmare in icy or snowy conditions. To prevent this, you should fill up your wiper fluid with a winter-grade solution that won’t freeze.
Make sure to check your car’s antifreeze levels and the engine oil, and ensure it’s suitable for cold weather.
Ideal dash cam placement
Maintaining a clear view when driving is important – a poorly-positioned dash cam can obstruct your vision and interfere with safety features like airbags. For the best results, ensure your dash cam is in the centre of your windscreen.
This means it’s out of sight, but still able to capture necessary footage, and it won’t interfere with any vital features like wipers.
Test your dash cam performance
Dash cams can struggle in freezing temperatures which can cause errors or even shutdowns. That’s why you should turn your cam on before driving to ensure it’s functioning properly.
You might even consider dash cams that are rated for colder weather to avoid any problems.
Ensure your dash cam lens is clean
A dash cam’s effectiveness is only as good as the footage it records, and frost or condensation on the lens can make it useless.
Regularly wiping down the lens with a microfibre cloth is recommended, and for added protection, consider investing in an anti-fog solution or lens cover.
Monitor your cam’s power supply
Cold weather can deplete battery life, potentially reducing your dash cam’s power supply or even rendering it powerless. A possible solution is to hardwire your dash cam into your car’s electrical system for consistent power. If you do depend on an internal battery, think about carrying a backup power source or fully charging before each journey.
Winter roads require extra caution, but by following the above tips and checks, you’ll be better equipped to face any challenges that come your way. Plus, you’ll have additional peace of mind – regardless of the weather.