Driving conditions at this time of year can be challenging. Bad weather, stressed drivers and worn vehicles all add a degree of unpredictability to the roads. We’ve compiled a few simple tips to help you stay safe and focused on your journeys, and to help you prepare for the imperfect conditions. Account for the Conditions At this time of year, adverse weather can hugely affect driving conditions. Even if you know a road like the back of your hand, a journey can change immensely in different weathers. Fog, ice, rain and the sun’s glare can all make a drive more difficult in their different ways, and it’s wise to check the forecast before you undertake your journey. There’s not much you can do about the climate of a place, but you can plan accordingly, and let mother nature do what she does best! Slow Down!Stopping distances can be twice as far in wet weather, and even longer in icy conditions. While it is tempting to put your foot down on a clear road, always take account of what is going on around you, and of the state of the road beneath you. What can be safe in good conditions can be lethal in adverse ones, so always exercise caution on the accelerator. Even if you are running late, getting there a few minutes behind is preferable to never getting there at all. Motorway speed limits can be elastic too, so watch the electronic signs and always err on the side of caution. Make Sure Everything WorksA car in good working order makes any journey easier. Here are some things to look out for - ElectronicsMake sure all bulbs work in your lights, and ensure none of the warning lights on your dashboard are one. An OBD2 scanner can help to diagnose problems, letting you know if it’s something that requires immediate attention, or a problem that can wait until the end of your journey.TyresCheck your tyre pressure regularly. While blowouts are more common in hot weather, punctures can happen anywhere. Flat tyres mean much higher fuel consumption too, so make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended level (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door). A TPMS system can help you keep track of your tyre pressure remotely, keeping you off the floor and away from the muck!FluidsAs ever, check your petrol and your route to ensure you won’t run out of fuel. Check the oil to keep your engine running smoothly, and keep the screen wash topped up to get rid of dirt and any unfortunate insects! Lastly, it’s always advisable to keep a can of deicer and a scraper in the boot - those frosty mornings come around quickly.MaintenanceIn general, make sure your car is up to date on its servicing, and has its MOT in order. Things do go wrong, but this gives you as much peace of mind as possible, and also keeps you on the right side of the law. A dependable vehicle is worth its weight in gold sometimes! Look After Yourself Looking after your car is one thing, but it’s not the vehicle that is doing the driving - you are. It’s important that you get enough rest and take adequate breaks, and give yourself the best chance of having a good journey. Driving tired or getting stressed at the wheel isn’t going to make your journey any better. If you can, make time to make your in-car environment less stressful; music or podcasts to listen to, sunglasses to prevent glare, adequate time to complete your journey all help. This way, you’ll be able to respond that much better to the inevitable difficulties of the road, and get to your destination unruffled and on time. If you’d like to upgrade your in-car environment, PODOFO has a huge array of up-to-the-minute car stereos, headrest screens, accessories and much more, to bring the comforts of home into your car. Perfect audio, relaxing visuals and incredible connectivity are all available, and can make your factory vehicle into your own. Let us make your journey more comfortable, and drive your entertainment forward.
Skip to content
