Drivers should always stop and consider conditions before hitting the road, but driving in the winter requires extra care. Take a moment to explore our winter driving tips:
1. Get your free Express Visual Check before winter starts
Lights: We will make sure your lights are working correctly. If you buy exterior bulbs from Heritage Audi, we will fit them free of charge.
Wiper Blades: Severe weather demands more from your wiper blades. We will ensure that they’re in good condition before severe winter weather begins. If you buy wiper blades from Heritage Audi, we will fit them free of charge.
Windscreen Washer: We will check that your windscreen washer is working properly and that you have plenty of screen wash. Please purchase your screen wash from Audi to guarantee its quality. With a freezing point of -35 degrees Celsius*, there’s no need to worry about keeping your windscreen salt free.
Brakes: The team at Heritage Audi will check your brake pads, discs, and brake fluid so you can efficiently brake.
Tyres: We will check your regular tyres and advise you on choosing winter tyres. We always recommend replacing your tyres before they reach the 1.6mm legal limit.
Battery: Winter can be more strenuous on your battery, so we will check that yours is working efficiently for the season ahead. Heritage Audi offers battery testing, so speak to a Service Advisor during your Express Visual Check for more information.
*Based on a 1:1 ratio of screen wash and water
2. Know when your tyres need replacing
Please remember that your tyres are the only thing connecting you to the road; at any time, you only have four hand-sized areas of tread in contact with the road. The depth of your tyres’ tread significantly influences braking time. For example, when slowing from 70mph, the difference in stopping distance between a 3mm tyre depth and the legal limit of 1.6mm is 44 metres – that’s the length of four double-decker buses! So, if your tyres’ treads have low depth, you need to begin braking earlier.
3. How to check your tread
As tyres may wear differently, check your tyre tread in three places on each tyre. If you don’t have a tread depth gauge, use a 20p coin; place the coin in the groove of the tyre. If you can see the outer edge of the coin, this indicates that your tread depth is less than 3mm and that you should consider replacing your tyres. If you’re unsure if your tyres need replacing, we will check them for you at Heritage Audi Salisbury. We will ensure that you have the right tyre for road conditions and advise you to swap to winter tyres from October-March every year for your safety. Wear on summer tyres can increase by up to 20%* in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius.
*Source: www.tyresafe.org
4. Use dipped (low-beam) headlights
Hail, heavy snow, and rain reduce visibility. Dipped headlights should be used at night, in bad weather, and in poor visibility. Be sure to travel at speeds that allow you to stop within the distance you can see ahead.
5. Reduce your speed smoothly
Give yourself extra time to reduce your vehicle’s speed on slippery surfaces. Avoid harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and coarse steering. Always reduce your speed smoothly in unideal conditions.
6. Slow down in plenty of time for bends and corners
Black ice is caused by freezing rain (rain freezing when it hits the surface of the road). Black ice makes your steering feel light, so ease off of your accelerator and be delicate with your steering movements.
7. Drive in a lower gear than normal
Driving in a low gear helps you avoid excessive braking on ice and snow. You can also avoid locking your wheels when driving in a lower gear than normal in winter weather.
8. Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front
Allow up to ten times the normal distance for braking in icy conditions. The normal braking distance for a vehicle traveling at 70mph is 96 metres.
9. Take care around winter maintenance vehicles
Winter maintenance vehicles, especially salting vehicles, are extremely powerful. Keep your vehicle at a safe distance behind them and be sure to use plenty of screen wash to avoid a salt-smeared windscreen. Use Audi’s genuine screen wash, which has a freezing point of -35 degrees Celsius*, to ensure that you can clear away salt residue.**
*Based on a 1:1 ratio of screen wash and water
**Source: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
10. Stop frequently in snow
When driving in snowy conditions, stopping frequently helps clean your windscreen and windows, wheel arches, lights, and number plates.
11. Don't drive tired
Bad weather conditions are stressful and make driving more tiring than normal. When driving in winter weather, stop every two hours, get fresh air, and a hot drink.
12. Be prepared for an emergency
We will always recommend keeping emergency essentials in your Audi, including water and food with a long shelf life.
13. Stay informed
Switch on your Traffic Programme (TP) and Traffic Information Memory (TIM) to avoid dangerous roads and accidents. Check your Audi Owner’s Manual for more information.
14. Plan ahead
If you use a satellite navigation system, avoid smaller roads. Smaller roads may not be treated for winter conditions. The shortest route is not always the safest route.
15. Take care when driving abroad
Many European countries experience colder temperatures than the United Kingdom. It may be compulsory to fit winter tyres in some European countries, and you may be fined if your vehicle is not fitted with them.