Motoring guru shares how potato might maintain you secure whereas driving in Storm Henk

With specialists saying Storm Henk is ready to ‘batter’ components of the UK with 80mph winds and rain this week, journey disruption and flooding is probably going – which can little question trigger chaos on the roads.

So, with that in thoughts, motoring specialists at John Clark Motor Group have offered their prime tips about staying secure when drivers need to commute of their vehicles.

It is all the time really useful to try to keep indoors and off the roads in such situations, particularly because the Met Office has issued an amber climate alert. However, with that not all the time viable, it is best to be sure you know how one can maintain your self secure.

READ MORE: Storm Henk brings greater than 739 flood warnings – see in case your space is affected

Check out extra actual life tales right here

The specialists revealed how you should use a potato to keep away from a fogging windscreen, in addition to different useful hacks to assist maintain you protected.

1. Rub a potato in your windscreen

This one actually isn’t simply an outdated wives’ story, in response to the specialists. They say that rubbing the lower aspect of half a potato towards the outer floor could make an actual distinction to your windscreen. They commented: “Not only can it stop your windscreen from freezing in the winter, but it can also be a huge help when driving in the rain. The starch in the potato acts as a barrier between the glass and the air and can help with that all too common issue of your windscreen fogging up, making it hard to see.”

2. Keep a secure distance

Maintaining double the traditional distance between your self and the automotive in entrance of you is suggested throughout heavy showers, particularly these ones that seem to come back out of nowhere, say the specialists. They commented: “A sudden downpour can panic drivers, causing them to slow down quite suddenly. So, keeping a distance is the best way to keep yourself and other drivers safe.”

3. Always maintain an emergency package in your boot

While making ready for congestion may look like a foul omen, it’s essential to making sure your security throughout stormy travels. The specialists say: “Everything from long traffic jams, to diversions from accidents or breaking down can be agonising in the winter – especially when you’re travelling during weather warnings. Keeping an emergency kit for drivers, or keeping your own personalised bag of emergency supplies will give peace of mind.”

Things you would embody in your package are; an influence financial institution to your telephone, warning triangle in case of breakdowns, non-perishable meals, water, torches, thermal blanket or clothes and a excessive vis vest.”

4. Drive slowly and avoid standing water where possible

The experts say you should stick to first and second gear when going through standing water and at speeds of around 3-4mph. If you drive too fast, not only could your tyres lose contact, but you could also splash a pedestrian, which could land you a £150 fine and three penalty points.

They add: “Give susceptible street customers, together with cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians extra room than regular – they’re extra prone to be blown round by aspect winds.”

5. Check your tyres

The authorized tyre depth is 1.6mm, however that is the naked minimal, so, ideally, it’s best to purpose for at least 3mm. To test it your self, the specialists counsel merely slipping a 20p piece into the groove. If you may’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the authorized restrict.

6. Avoid cruise management

While it is an incredible function, the specialists say cruise management shouldn’t be utilized in heavy showers as extra management is required. “It’s easy to let your brain switch off when using cruise control, but during on and off showers, you must remain alert,” they stated.

7. Get to know your automotive’s brakes

Before you set off throughout a climate warning, it is best to rapidly re-familiarise your self along with your automotive’s braking system. They specialists say: “If you know the sensitivity or heaviness of how your car’s brakes operate, you will have a much better reaction time when it comes to stopping in any unforeseen congestion.”

8. Fill up, cost up

Running out of gas might lead to a minimal of a £100 effective and three penalty factors for obstructing the street in an unavoidable breakdown, in response to the specialists. They say: “Always aim to refill well before your fuel warning light comes on in the winter. For electric car drivers, charge your car overnight before you set off to ensure there’s plenty of range before setting off in a storm. As always, plan ahead to account for extra fuel stops or charges on your route just in case they’re necessary.”

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