Auto experts have revealed the mistakes drivers make when preparing their cars for snow and ice - and there's a common oversight lots of people forget about before hitting the road.
While there's lots drivers can do to help keep everyone safe this winter, auto experts at Dick Lovett explain that one of the common mistakes motorists make relates to how they dilute their screenwash.
Nobody should need reminding just how important washer fluid is, and lots of drivers keep theirs well topped up. But some may forget you need to change the dilution ratio depending on the time of the year.
Read more: Mistake car owners make when trying to de-ice windscreen according to expert
As the expert explains: "Too much water could end up freezing your windscreen washer system, as dilution ratios for winter weather are completely different from the summer."
Your best bet is to follow the instructions on the bottle, but the expert also has advice for checking you are using the right amount of water.
"To prevent freezing you should check the suggested dilution ratios that may be provided on the bottle, otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to ensure your solution is more concentrated during the winter period," Dick Lovett told The Mirror.
Other important tips include checking your tyres regularly and checking your wipers for tears. You should also avoid using windshield wipers to remove ice, snow or frost as this can cause tears in your wiper blades, according to the pros.
The expert advises using a scraper, instead. You'll also want to avoid using boiling water. "Defrost your windows and windscreen correctly- using boiling water directly on the glass could cause it to crack. Instead, try heating your windscreen from the inside of the car and using a scraper, or de-icer."
What's more, it is worth prepping an SOS snow kit, in case something goes awry despite your preparations. In the chance you do get stuck in the snow, you will be glad you packed one. The expert recommends including high-vis jackets, blankets, a shovel, a portable charger, a tow rope and towing eye.
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