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What’s Wrong With My Car’s Heater?
Colder days are on their way, so it’s time to make sure your car’s heater is pumping out all the hot air you need. Here’s what to do if…
Britain Braced For Bitter Cold Snap
A severe weather warning is in place for parts of the UK, with forecasters warning temperatures are set to tumble over the weekend.
The Met Office yellow warning for Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands and Grampian came into force at 6pm on Thursday.
Several centimetres of snow is likely to settle on higher ground and ice could make driving conditions treacherous.
The RAC motoring organisation said it was expecting more calls, while road gritting and snow clearance teams said they were ready to deal with any disruption the first bout of wintry weather may bring.
Sub-zero temperatures are likely in Scotland and although it will be several degrees warmer elsewhere, sleet could fall in northern England.
The bitter cold snap comes as schools break up for the half-term holiday.
Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: “After the mild but murky weather of recent days, a big change is forecast over the next 24 hours with cold air plunging southwards.
“Motorists across Scotland will have wintry conditions to deal with through tonight and Friday.
“Ice and scattered sleet and snow showers may bring some travel disruption, especially across northeast Scotland.
“Away from northeastern areas, Friday looks cold but on the sunny side. Top temperatures will be nearer 5C to 9C (45F).
“Rather than crisp, frosty, bright weather we are set for cloudier skies and some rain later on Saturday and during Sunday.
“It will still feel rather cold but temperatures are unlikely to be as low.
“As the rain spreads across the northwest on Saturday it may be preceded by some hill snow.
“During Sunday expect temperatures of around 9C with rain at times.”
Copyright © Sky News 2012
Tips for driving in strong winds
After severe gales swept across Scotland and most of Britain, motorists should prepare now for driving in windy conditions, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The road safety charity recently released a tips sheet for drivers who find themselves out on the roads in gale-force conditions. Most of the advice focuses upon potential hazards road users may encounter in blustery conditions but there is also practical advice for motorists who have to make journeys in poor weather.
IAM advise planning routes in advance, avoiding particularly open stretches of road and trying to minimise your vehicles exposure to the wind. Similarly, when passing bikes, lorries and buses gusts of strong winds can blow other road users off course and into your path.
Dangerous driving conditions such as high winds increases the chances of accidents and it is advisable to make sure your car insurance gives you adequate protection and that your breakdown cover is up to scratch should your vehicle fail to cope with the high winds.
Sensible tips such as maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front and keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel are also offered as smart ways to negotiate tricky conditions safely.
Copyright © Press Association 2012
Is your car ready for winter?
Getting ready for winter is something we should all do – but it need only take a few minutes of preparation to ensure your home and your car are fit for any kind of winter emergency.
If you plan to travel during bad weather, always stay up-to-date with weather forecasts by keeping a battery-operated radio handy, and only drive in extreme weather if absolutely necessary.
Before travelling in bad weather, you should:
- Check the weather forecast and road conditions
- Consider whether you need to travel right now or if it can wait until the weather improves?
- Consider alternative routes
- Consider alternative modes of transport
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Make sure your car is ready for a journey in poor weather
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged
- Tell someone your destination and when you expect to arrive
- Consider fitting winter tyres to your vehicle
Before setting off in your car, make sure you have packed a winter emergency kit:
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- A torch and spare batteries
- A shovel for snow
- Warm clothes, boots and a blanket
- Some food and a warm drink in a flask
- A first aid kit
- Battery jump leads
- A map for any unplanned diversions
- A list of emergency phone numbers and loose change
How to Diagnose Car Problems If You Don’t Know Much About Cars
If something goes wrong with your car and you don’t know much about car repair, then it’s time to go to the shop and find out what’s wrong. However, lots of people are understandably worried about getting ripped off—mechanics are pretty good at detecting when a customer doesn’t know anything about cars. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to narrow down the possibilities of what’s going on inside your car.
The warning lights on your dashboard are the most obvious starting point. Yet the most common, the Check Engine light, can be utterly confusing because it can cover problems ranging widely in severity. Others, like the engine temperature light, tire pressure light, or oil light are more straightforward to decipher. Regardless of what lights up, never ignore it. Delaying a diagnosis and repair could lead to even bigger problems down the road.
5 Genius Car Accessories You Should Never Drive Without
You don’t need to spend a fortune on aftermarket installations to upgrade your car’s amenities. We’ve rounded up the best deals on gear for a safer, smarter, and cleaner commute.