However, a recent survey by Manheim, the car auction company, has found that many drivers who think that they are prepared are failing to carry essential items in their vehicle.

Only 33% of those polled said they would carry warm clothing, 25% would keep jump leads in the car and 21% would carry a shovel.

Stay safe on the road this winter by following these guidelines from the Institute of Advanced Motorists:

• Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front.
• Drive so that you don’t rely on your brakes to be able to stop – on an icy surface they simply may not do that for you. Keep moving as much as possible, even if it is only at walking pace.
• On a downhill slope, get your speed low before you start the descent and do not let it build up – it is much easier to keep it low than to try and slow down if things get slippery.
• Start gently, avoiding high revs, and use second gear to avoid wheelspin. If you get into a skid, the main thing is to take your foot off the pedals and steer. Only use the brake if you can’t steer out of trouble.
• Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid short cuts on minor roads, especially country lanes.
• Always clear your windows, lights and mirrors. Don’t forget that snow on the bonnet can blow back onto your windscreen, so clear that off as well.
• Make sure you have an emergency kit in case you breakdown. This should include a mobile phone and charger, torch, atlas, first aid kit, blanket, food and a warm drink.
• You can also improve your car’s performance in snow by fitting winter tyres.

Manheim’s Craig Mailey, said: “Preparing for winter is second nature to many people, but it goes beyond just carrying an ice scraper and de-icer.

“You need to prepare for the possibility of being stuck in traffic for long periods or of getting stranded in the snow.”

Get a free winter health check at M25 Audi and make sure you are ready to drive safely this winter.

Enjoy the Easter Bank Holiday!

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has responded to the fuel price hike in the Budget by putting together some useful tips to help motorists cut their Easter Bank Holiday fuel bills.

IAM Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger, said: “A rise of as little as 1p per litre will quickly add up. Simple measures such as looking well ahead and slowing down earlier instead of always using the brakes to slow down can make a real difference.  A smoother driving style is the single best eco-driving tip.  Good economical driving starts with safer driving and anticipation.”

Make each litre last longer over Easter with good journey planning and forward thinking behind the wheel.

PS – Take a look at our Easter Opening Hours here

• Sticking to 70mph, instead of 80mph, can save around 4p per mile.

• An empty car roof box can increase fuel consumption by 20% on a motorway – if it’s not needed, don’t take it.

• A smooth driving style as opposed to an aggressive one has been estimated to save 15% fuel consumption.

• Correct tyre pressure reduces wear and helps fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres are unsafe, need replacing more often and can increase fuel consumption by 5%.  Check the pressure is right and that they are damage-free.

• Plan your route in advance. Continuous, smooth driving on uncongested routes is always more economical, even if they are longer.

• Remember to switch off the air-con and heated windows when they aren’t needed. Used together, these can increase fuel consumption by 15%.

• Take the unnecessary baggage out of your boot – the added weight will affect your fuel efficiency.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday!

Winter Driving Tips

Winter is a difficult time for the driver. The frost in the early morning and late evening, snow showers and shorter daylight hours all combine to make the driving experience harder. Regardless of how prepared your car may be, it is equally as important to modify your driving style.

Here’s some advice on safe winter driving..

Stopping distances in winter

• When roads are slippery it will take longer to stop. Up to 10 times longer.
• So, drop your speed, and give yourself more time to slow down and stop.
• Drive with care even if roads have been treated.
  

If your vehicle starts to skid:

• Depress the clutch. Do not brake!
• Turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.
• When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road.
  

Driving in fog

• Use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you.
• If it’s really foggy (less than 100m visibility) and you can’t see much, then switch your fog lights on. Switch them off once conditions have improved so they don’t dazzle drivers behind you.
• Fog is often patchy so try not to speed up as visibility improves. You could suddenly find yourself back in thick fog further up the road.
  

Driving through ice and snow

• Check for snow on the roof of the vehicle before you drive off. It can slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view.
• If your tyres are making virtually no noise this could be a sign you’re driving on ice.
• If your vehicle skids depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens steer along the road. Don’t brake – it will just lock up your wheels and you’ll skid further.

Driving in Wind and Rain

Here at Audi, we are in the lucky position to have access to some powerful cars but as the winter draws closer it’s no good driving a powerful car if you can’t use the power on a slippery road.

So, as the weather worsens and the roads become more slippery, here are a few tips to help you cope with changing road conditions.

Driving Tips: Wind and Rain

Driving in the rain

• When the road’s wet, it can take up to twice as long to stop so it makes sense to slow down when it’s raining.
• If your vehicle loses its grip, or “aquaplanes”, on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Don’t brake or steer suddenly because you have no control of the steering or brakes.

Driving in windy weather

• In very windy weather we advise you to take extra care on the roads and plan your journeys by checking the latest weather conditions.
• High-sided vehicles are particularly affected by windy weather but strong gusts can blow a vehicle, cyclist, motorcyclist, or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges and high-sided vehicles.

Floods

• If you can avoid it, it’s best not to drive through lying surface water as you might flood your engine. The deepest water is usually nearest the kerb.
• If you do have to drive through flooded roads, use first gear. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine. Keep your revs high and depress your clutch when you need to.
• Test your brakes after passing through the water. If they work then you can drive on at your usual speed providing it’s safe to do so.

Winter Driving Tips

Hi, from the Aftersales team at Whetstone Audi.

Some top tips to keep you and your car safe this winter. Five practical steps to take. See below.

1. Ensure washer fluid is topped up with fluid able to withstand freezing temperatures. With autumn roads throwing up rain dirt you want to see clearly at all times. We have all experienced that lorry or bus that covers our windscreen with spray from wheels.
2. Wipe your headlights and tails lights with a wet wipe. You’ll be surprised how much better your lights are when they are kept clean. See and be seen!
3. Check you are running correct tyre pressures. Wrong tyre pressures cause premature tyre wear and more importantly, create unstable handling and increased braking distances.
4. Do you have enough tyre tread to stop in time. Tyres that have 3 mm of tread stop 25% quicker than tyres at legal minimum of 1.6mm. How quickly do you want to stop?
5. Does your car have the correct amount of anti freeze for a British winter? Most engine failures we see in the winter are because of low oil level or frozen engines.

Any questions? Please add your comments or questions below.

Alternatively, you can email the Service Team directly. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.