Drivers urged to 'make sure' vital engine fluids are topped up before urgent snow warning

Drivers urged to 'make sure' vital engine fluids are topped up before urgent snow warning

Warning to drivers of incoming snowfall

GB NEWS
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 15/01/2024

- 05:00

Some parts of the country could see as much as 10cm of snow

Experts are advising drivers to check their vehicles are prepared for the winter weather, especially with key fluids which could be crucial amid the expected barrage of snow.

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for Monday, January 15, with snow and ice affecting Northern Ireland and the north of Scotland.


It warned that some roads and railways will be affected by longer journey times as drivers may see icy patches on untreated roads, as well as on pavements and cycle paths.

The same yellow weather warning applied to northern Scotland was also in operation on Sunday, January 14, causing some travel disruption.

Antifreeze being added to car

Experts are urging drivers to ensure their antifreeze is topped up

GETTY

While the snow and ice will be a huge impediment for some drivers, others will wake up to other issues, namely condensation and frost on windscreens.

The cold weather is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with thermometers rarely going above single digits.

Motorists are being advised to make vital checks on their vehicles to ensure they are safe to drive in the colder temperatures and wintery weather.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, spoke of the difficulties driving in winter conditions and urged motorists to make changes before setting off.

He highlighted the importance of antifreeze as one of the most important measures to take when preparing to drive in winter weather.

The expert added: “Antifreeze helps to make sure that your engine stays at a constant temperature so that it can operate when it is very hot or very cold outside.

“Making sure engine coolant is topped up [as it] will help stop the fluid freezing with a drop in temperature.”

While antifreeze will protect a car engine in the winter, it will also help stop corrosion and scale build-up all year round.

Research shows that half of motorists avoid driving in snowy weather and around 47 per cent said they stay off the roads when it is icy.

The AA is urging drivers to check their vehicle specifications to ensure they can use coolant and which particular mixture is needed.

Some manufacturers specify that a pre-mixed coolant is needed where neither antifreeze nor water should be added.

However, some car companies advise drivers to use a mix of water and antifreeze, at a specified concentration.

The Met Office has warned that “disruptive” snow is possible next week, with some areas of the country potentially seeing as much as 10cm fall within a few hours.

Other areas, especially in Scotland, could see almost two inches of snow as RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams urged drivers to ensure they are prepared for the snow.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Car driving through snow

The Met Office has forecast that some areas could see as much as 10cm of snow

PA

He added: “While no one sets out to breakdown or get stuck in very cold, potentially snowy conditions, there are far too many instances where drivers have underestimated the severity of the conditions and found themselves in danger.”

You may like