Maintenance checks 'essential for motorway driving in winter'

Date: 14/11/2011

Motorists should perform some basic checks on their vehicles before heading out on long motorway journeys during the winter.

This is the advice of Diamond Advanced Motorists, which noted driving conditions can often be "challenging" when the weather turns colder.

The enterprise advised people to check their tyres and lights, as well as oil and water levels, before heading out on the motorway.

It is also a good idea for drivers to read the weather forecast in advance, ensure they have a clear idea of where they are going and plan an alternative route in case of heavy traffic.

Furthermore, they should take care when joining motorways via a slip road and take time to get used to the speed of the traffic before starting to overtake.

This comes after the Highways Agency advised motorists it has prepared for winter by testing resilience plans and stocking more than 250,000 tonnes of salt ready to grit the roads.

However, Roads Minister Mike Penning said the harsh weather last year demonstrated "that we must all play our part and be prepared."

Posted by Sarah Bailey