Motorists urged to get Vehicles in Shape for Winter Weather -
January 2012
The UK’s leading independent garage network has commended the Highways Agency for encouraging motorists to prepare their cars for another harsh winter.
The Highways Agency is currently using its network of motorway overhead message boards to remind drivers of the importance of preparing their cars for winter, and Halfords Autocentres believes that this is playing a vital role in communicating this essential message to the nation’s motorists.
“This is a commendable use of a valuable resource seen by thousands of motorists daily,” comments Rory Carlin, Halfords Autocentres’ marketing director. “We believe it’s essential motorists understand that cold weather places stressful demands on their vehicles and preparation is key to them remaining mobile over the winter months.”
After a succession of harsh winters and with more extreme weather forecast, Halfords Autocentres believes this message is getting through and more motorists are taking positive action to prepare themselves and their cars.
The company has seen a significant upswing in the number of motorists booking its Winter Inspection service in the past three weeks. As in previous years, the surge in bookings has coincided with temperatures dropping and the first snow falls in some regions.
“While we encourage motorists to act before the weather turns, it’s inevitable that a particularly cold snap is needed to galvanize action,” Carlin continues. “We can’t do anything about heavy snowfalls and the road chaos that ensues but we can help prevent the thousands of cold weather related breakdowns that occur every winter due to poor foresight. Thankfully, the evidence is that more motorists are recognising this.”
It’s estimated that 20% more drivers break down in the winter months, with batteries, starter motors and alternators most at risk from the cold. Halfords Autocentres saw a 72% increase in demand for batteries last winter.
And although the extreme and unexpected conditions last year left many unable to make the commute to work, it is expected that employers will be less tolerant of those who ‘can’t make it into the office’ this winter, putting the onus on motorists to prepare their vehicle well in advance.
Carlin continues: “Preparing your vehicle for winter is essential for reducing the risk of a breakdown and increasing safety in dangerous driving conditions. Batteries and starter motors in particular are common victims of freezing conditions and of course it's essential to ensure your car has sufficient quantities of antifreeze and your tyres have adequate tread. More motorists than ever are choosing to fit winter tyres, which give increased levels of grip in all cold conditions, not just in snow. Regularly servicing and checking your vehicle, particularly before a long journey, will also reduce your chances of breaking down on the road.”
“The images we saw last winter of stranded vehicles should provide a stark warning of how important it is to make the necessary checks before its too late. We urge all drivers to have a winter inspection to ensure their cars are prepared for the harsh conditions that are forecast.”
Halfords Autocentres is offering a 12-point Winter Inspection for a special price of £29.95. The package offers vital checks to the battery, wipers, tyres, lights alternator, starter motor and antifreeze that will help ensure the smooth running of your car, whatever the weather over next few months.
Also included in the package is Duxback window treatment which improves visibility in wet and icy weather (worth £24.95) and a winter essentials kit with trigger de-icer, concentrate screen wash, demist pad and scraper (worth £10).
The revolutionary Duxback protection treatment disperses water quickly from your windscreen, making driving in the rain safer and reducing levels of ice forming.