Dash cam expert Kyung Ho Min shares seven essential checks to ensure safe winter driving, including preparing your car, dash cam, and fluids for colder weather.
Many of us are behind the wheel every day, but winter driving can be a whole different ball game. With ice, frost, rain and fog all potentially affecting our journeys, it's crucial to ensure you're safe before setting off each morning. Dash cam expert Kyung Ho Min, from Thinkware, has outlined seven essential checks that Brits should be making every morning before hitting the road.
The company, which claims to be the largest manufacturer of premium in-car dash cams, regularly shares useful advice on its social media channels, and their latest tips could prove invaluable this winter. If you want to stay safe when travelling during the colder months, here's what you need to know. It's vital to keep up to date with the weather. Winter can be a stunning season, but freezing temperatures and icy roads can make driving tricky. Whether you're embarking on a seasonal road trip, or just tackling the daily commute, preparing your car and dash cam is key. Here are some simple yet vital checks to keep you safe. \Clear your windscreens Even if you're in a hurry, always wait until your entire windscreen is defrosted. Just a small patch of ice can obstruct your view, heightening the risk of an accident. A good quality ice scraper and de-icer will swiftly clear your windows, mirrors and headlights. But don't forget to remove any snow from your car roof too, as this could slide onto your windscreen and cause problems. \Inspect your tyres Your tyres are your first line of defence against slippery roads, so it's crucial they're in top-notch condition. Low tread or incorrect pressure can even lead to accidents. Tyre pressure often drops in cold weather, so make sure to regularly check the pressure and ensure the tread depth is at least 3mm for optimal grip. You might even consider switching to winter tyres for improved traction. \Check your car fluids It's essential to keep an eye on your car's fluids. Low or even frozen fluids can cause your car to break down, which is something no driver wants. To prevent this, you should top up your wiper fluid with a winter-grade solution that won't freeze. Make sure to check your car's antifreeze levels and the engine oil, ensuring it's suitable for cold weather. \Place your dash cam correctly The placement of your dash cam is crucial. It's important to maintain a clear view when driving, particularly when the roads are icy. A poorly positioned dash cam can obstruct your view and interfere with safety features like airbags. For the best results, place your dash cam in the centre of your windscreen. This way, it's out of sight but still able to capture necessary footage, and it won't interfere with any vital features like wipers. \Test your dash cam Dash cams can struggle in freezing temperatures, resulting in errors or even shutdowns. That's why you should turn your cam on before driving to ensure it's working properly. You might even want to look into dash cams that are rated for colder weather to avoid any issues. \Clean your dash cam A dash cam's effectiveness is only as good as the footage it captures, and frost or condensation on the lens can render it useless. Regularly wiping down the lens with a microfibre cloth is recommended and, for added protection, consider investing in an anti-fog solution or lens cover. \Check your cam's power supply It's also important to check your cam's power supply as cold weather can drain battery life, potentially leaving your dash cam powerless. A solution to this could be hardwiring your dash cam into your car's electrical system for consistent power. If you rely on an internal battery, think about carrying a back-up power source or fully charging before each journey. Winter roads require extra caution, but by following these tips and checks, you can be better prepared for any challenges that may arise. Plus, you'll have additional peace of mind - regardless of the weather
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS DASH CAM CAR MAINTENANCE TYRES FLUIDS WEATHER
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