Yahoo News Drivers issued £130 warning if they don't use their car within the next month
With the weather turning cold and icy, drivers have been issued advice to help cut down the costs of unexpected bills. The advice has been issued by Tesco Insurance as snow and ice falls on England.
Internal data from Tesco Insurance has revealed there was a total of 366 ice-related claims two years ago in winter 2022. Although no figures has been released for this year, the insurance company has urged drivers to be prepared for driving in the cold weather.
Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco Insurance comments: "As temperatures lower, your vehicle may be more susceptible to breaking down. Taking small but necessary checks on your vehicle can reduce the chances of a breakdown or an accident."
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Among the unexpected bills drivers could face is the need to buy a new battery. If cars are unused for long periods of time, the batteries could die leaving motorists needing to fork out money for a new one.
The average cost of replacing a car battery in the UK reportedly costs around £130. Alex said drivers leaving their car for under a month is normally fine, but anything over that could spell trouble. Below, Alex from Tesco Insurance sets out five tips for motorists.
Five ways to 'winter proof' your car in 2024
Look after your battery: If the weather is cold or your car is going to be unused for a longer period of time – this will affect your car battery. If you are finding the car is slow to start, it may be a sign you need to invest in a new battery. The length of time it takes for a battery to die in an unused car varies, Cars should be fine to be left just under a month without driving without the battery dying. However, if you have a ‘power hungry’ car it might be a lot shorter. If you are unsure, visit your local garage to ensure your battery is in good condition.
Check your tyres: Icy roads are the norm for winter in the UK, so the condition and quality of your tyres will be crucial to your safety on slippery roads. With the potential for snow fall and ice on the horizon, ensuring that you have tyres fit for purpose will help you prepare. Although not a legal requirement in the UK as it is elsewhere, it may be worth considering swapping out your usual tyres for winter ones to be as safe as possible on the road.
Test your bulbs: Ensure that all your essential testing is done, and if your MOT is due in the coldest months, see if you can move it to earlier in the year. Making sure things like your lights are working properly will be crucial in the darker season. You may even be able to upgrade to brighter bulbs.
Car insurance expiration: Make sure you have the right insurance in place, so that you’re covered should the worst happen. Examine your existing plan and create a reminder for yourself a month before it expires to search for the best policy to suit your needs, for example, Tesco Clubcard holders will get a guaranteed discount on their car insurance. Shop around to see what benefits you can reap.
Keep some handy kit around: Ice build-up on windows and windscreens is commonplace in winter and as such, it would be wise to keep an ice scraper and de-icer in the car to make clearing your viewing spaces a little easier. Some warm, waterproof clothing, such as a coat, can also be useful if you find yourself having to wait for breakdown help. Winter kits for your car are widely available to buy and are a useful addition to your car boot over the winter months.
