Brits have discovered a little-known breakdown hack that will help you to receive roadside recovery twice as fast this winter.
The dark evenings coupled with wet and icy conditions can make driving in the colder months more challenging, even for the most experienced drivers.
In fact, National Highways reports that winter car breakdowns have risen by 22 percent in the last five years, due to problems with the battery, fluids, tyres, and brakes.
But drivers say they have stumbled upon a surprising way to call for breakdown assistance, and it might just come in handy as snow warnings sweep the UK.
Find out everything you need to know below.
How to get help quickly when your car breaks down
Did you know that you will receive roadside assistance two times faster if you contact AA via the app instead of calling?
According to The AA, it takes less than three and a half minutes to get in touch with their team, who will be with you in less than an hour.
The UK's leading breakdown service, they have more patrols on the road than any other company, and fix an average of four out of five vehicles roadside.
All you need to do is download the app here, before heading out on the road.
What else does the AA app have to offer?
- Report a breakdown in minutes.
- Find fuel nearby, compare prices, and save your favourite location.
- Electric car owner? You can find the closest EV charge points and check real-time availability.
- Set MOT reminders.
- Get discounts on car insurance.
- Plan your route and check traffic.
How to drive safely in winter
According to The AA, you can help to make journeys safer and smoother in winter by performing simple checks before setting off. You can check out their top tips below.
Top tips for driving safely in winter:
- Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and keep a small towel in the car to dry the pedals if necessary.
- Always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car, as heavy snow can cause glare from the sun.
- Be gentle on the throttle and pull away in second gear if you have a manual car, as harsh acceleration can cause wheel spin.
- If you're driving an electric or hybrid car, adjust the regenerative braking to a lower setting.
- Leave more room than usual between you and the vehicle in front.
- Use headlights in heavy snow and be mindful of parts of the road with tyre tracks, as these areas are more likely to be icy.
- If you lose control, steer gently into any skid and don't make any sudden movements such as abrupt braking.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car?
It's not illegal to drive with snow on your vehicle, but all windows must be clear.
To prevent accidents, it's recommended that you clear the roof and windows, as snow on the top of your car could slide when you brake and obstruct your view of the road.
Getting into an accident with snow on your windows could be considered dangerous driving.
For further information on driving safely this winter, check out the following sites: RAC, Start Rescue, and AXA.
Topics: Cars
Danielle Fowler