Fact or Fiction: Winter driving edition
Navigation Icon Navigation Icon
  • icon Phone & Video Appointments
  • icon Click & Collect / Home Delivery
  • icon Reserve/ Buy Online
Menu
Go Back
  • Fact or Fiction: Winter driving edition
  • 21 December 2022
    Facebook Icon
    Twitter Icon
    Linkedin Icon

    Fact or Fiction: Winter driving edition

    Should you be switching to winter tyres? What sort of shoes should you be wearing to drive? and do you really need to clear the ice off of your windscreen?

  • Ensure your car is ready for all your festive journeys with our Winter Health Check

CAR CRIME RISES DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD - FACT

Although car theft claims are typically lower on Christmas day itself compared to the rest of the year, within the festive period leading up to christmas we see an unfortunate spike in theft related crimes. Last year, the Office for National Statistics reported that over 101,000 cars were stolen.


YOU MUST CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT AT ALL TIMES - FICTION

There are no laws, rules or regulations that stipulate the need to carry an emergency kit, although during the colder and icy months, it may be wise to ensure you have one. Learn more about what you should keep in an emergency winter kit here.


WINTER DRIVING IS DANGER DUE TO DAY LIGHT SAVINGS - FACT

It doesn't take a genius to realise that driving during darker hours can become more dangerous and lead to more accidents. With the shorter days during the winter, we may find ourselves out driving in the dark, which puts us at an increased risk of an accident due to reduced visability. Learn more here about what you can do to help lower the risk of an accident during the night.


IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITH AN ICY WINDSCREEN - FACT

The highway code states that "before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from your windows". What happens if you start your journey and your vision is blocked? You could face a £60 fine. So grab your can of de-icer and a scrapper and turn your vehicles heating on before you set off. 


YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE IN BOOTS - FICTION

Even though you are advised not to wear heels or flip flops whilst driving, during the winter you are permitted to drive whilst wearing boots or wellies. Any footwear is appropriate to drive in as long as it does 'not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'. 


WINTER TYRES MAY INVALIDATE YOUR VEHICLE INSURANCE - FACT

Although it is a good idea to change your tyres to a more weather appropriate alternative, it could mean that your insurance will be invalid. Some insurance companies class this as a modifications and all modifications need to be declared on the policy. Check your policy provider before switching your tyres. 

  • Receive our latest news and offers:
    Don’t worry we won’t bombard you with emails and you can refine your preferences at any time.

  • SUBSCRIBE

  • Site and contents © Site built by The Whole Caboodle.

    West Way is a trading name for AWR Automotive UK Limited, a limited liability company registered in England and Wales under number 14219136 with its registered office at 41 Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 3LQ.

    AWR Automotive UK Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486). Permitted activities include advising on and arranging general insurance contracts and acting as a credit broker not a lender.

    VAT Registration Number 425 3415 19

    We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services. We may receive a payment(s) or other benefits from finance providers should you decide to enter into an agreement with them, typically either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. The payment we receive may vary between finance providers and product types. The payment received does not impact the finance rate offered. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over, Guarantees may be required.

    Click here to update your details and how you would like West Way to communicate with you.