We wanted to put together some tips for winter motoring. We have also included useful kit to keep in your vehicle and some advice on staying safe out on the roads.
Essential Toyota Winter Driving Kit
The weather can change at any time so it’s best to be prepared. Here is list of kit to keep in your Toyota to help get you out of a pickle or help you stay warm.- Ice Scraper – Have you managed to get your hands on one of our lovely orange RoughTrax ice scrapers yet!
- De-icer, Torch and Spare Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Mobile phone and power bank to keep your phone fully charged
- A hot flask and snacks
- Waterproofs, warm clothes, and some form of high-vis jacket
- Stable footwear
- Shovel
- Jump leads
- Warning triangles
- TOP TIP – Take some old sacking/old rug in case your tyres lose grip in wet or muddy conditions.
- Leave a bit early in case there are delays.
- If it’s looking frosty allow for extra time to defrost your Toyota.
- Make sure your route includes main roads as they’re more likely to be gritted and cleared.
- Sounds simple but wear comfy dry shoes which won’t slip on the pedals.
- Don’t get caught short without enough fuel. Allow extra fuel for hold ups or delays.
- Clear frosted windows and wait for windscreens to be completely demisted.
- TOP TIP – Check your handbook, some vehicle have a winter mode setting for slippery roads
Driving Safety Tips
Here are some safety driving tips for different road conditions. Worth a quick read even it’s just to refresh your memory! Driving on Ice and Snow- Pull away safely in second gear, slowly easing your foot off the clutch to help you avoid your wheels from spinning.
- Apply brakes very gently and that’s only if you really need them.
- If your Toyota gets stuck, first straighten up the steering and clear away any snow from the wheels.
- Put an old rug in front of the driving wheels to give your tyres something to grip onto.
- The snow on the roof might look cool but if it drops on to the windscreen it could block your view.
- Turn your blowers to the highest temperature and point towards the windscreen.
- Use the air conditioning to keep the air dry.
- Avoid leaving wipers in auto mode because if the wipers freeze it could damage the motor.
- Don’t forget to keep your screen wash topped up to lower the chance of it freezing.
- TOP TIP - Keep windows free of snow and dirt to avoid getting a fine!
- Test your lights to make they are working well.
- Keep lenses clean to help improve visibility of you and for you. It’s worth checking every time you go out.
- Not the first thing you think of but keep your number plate clear to avoid getting a fine.
- While you are clearing the snow on your windscreen don’t forget the lights front and rear too.