With winter fast-approaching and some fairly wintry weather being predicted within the next few weeks, here at Bodymek, we thought it was time to explain some common winter driving myths.
Winter tyres can invalidate your insurance – True
Winter tyres are no longer that common in the UK, with people finding the hassle and cost of swapping tyres mid-way through the year too costly. In addition, many believe that winter tyres are only necessary for the very worst winter weather such as heavy snow and ice.
Whenever the temperature drops below 7°C, winter tyres can help your vehicles grip on the roads. This is because winter tyres are made up of a type of rubber which stays flexible in colder conditions. In addition, they have a specially designed tread which helps improve grip.
However, fitting the new tyres and not informing your car insurance provider could see your policy invalidated. This is because fitting winter tyres to a vehicle can be regarded as a modification which goes against a vehicle’s original design.
Driving in wellies is illegal – False
The reasoning behind this myth is that if you were to breakdown, or if the road you were travelling came to a complete standstill you would have suitable footwear to be able to walk to safety or to get help.
However, the problem with this is that bulky, thick-soled boots can be harder to drive in. They can make controlling the pedals trickier, especially if you are not used to driving in them.
The best advice is to wear safe and sensible shoes that are comfortable to drive in and carry a pair of sturdy boots, such as wellies in the car just in case.
Driving with snow on your number plate is illegal – True
You can pick up a £1,000 fine if you leave your number plate obscured by any ice or snow.
If you drive off without clearing it and you aren’t displaying your registration plate, it becomes illegal as it blocks you from being picked up by speed cameras and obscures it from view of police who use your reg to check if you’re taxed, insured and have valid MOT.
The rules apply to both the front and rear plates and this also applies if your registration plate becomes dirty and unreadable. Make sure you give it a wipe to avoid being caught out as an incorrectly displayed plate is also enough to see your car fail its MOT.
You must carry a winter emergency kit by law – False
There’s no law requiring drivers to carry any kind of emergency kit, although it’s definitely wise as the weather turns colder.
You may want to pack warm clothes, a de-icer and jump leads along with other helpful items such as water, snacks and blankets.
Ensure that your phone is fully charged before setting off and take your in-car charger if you have one.
You can be fined if you leave your engine running to defrost the car – True
Leaving your car engine running while defrosting ice is not only illegal, but could also land you a £20 fine as well.
The frequent technique is considered an illegal offence despite the fact most drivers use it to be safer on the road. If caught by police leaving your car engine running while defrosting ice, you will be forced to pay the fine, which can double to £40 if the fine is not paid within the given time-frame.
However, this breaking of the law only applies to vehicles that are stationary while on a public road.
Using hot water to de-ice your windscreen can cause harm – True
By law you’ve got to drive with clear windows – and that means not just an envelope-sized hole giving you tunnel vision, you should ensure all windows are completely clear before setting off.
By using boiling hot water, you are putting unnecessary stress on your car windscreen that might culminate over time and eventually crack.
If that’s not enough, there’s a very real risk that the hot water will freeze on the floor causing a slip hazard.
If the crack is particularly large or obscuring your view, you could be breaking the law and face a fine and penalty points if you’re stopped by police.
Here at Bodymek, we are here to answer any questions you may have about your car. Contact us on 01604 589179 8am-6pm 6 days a week.
