Winter driving tips 

Go ahead and plan your holiday getaway with friends and family. Be it a backdrop of thumping music, bumping along a dusty highway or driving in bone-chilling Himalayas, swerve into 2017 with a holiday outside the city. But before you set off, it will be important to think about how the conditions will affect roads and the way your vehicle will behave. Here are seven tips from Ford India to prepare your car this winter and help you become a safe and vigilant driver.

• Keep your windscreen clean and demisted. When driving in wintery conditions, visibility is key so you need to make sure your windscreen, windows and mirrors are all free from grit and dust. Your wipers need to be in good working order to clean your windscreen effectively
• Take your car to a local authorised dealership. In addition to doing your own regular checks, a visit to your local dealership is advisable to make sure your vehicle is in tip top condition. The dealer can do a professional inspection of your windshield wipers, front and rear defrosters, car battery, lights and safety system to ensure all are in good working order
• Plan your journey carefully. Before you set off, check the weather forecast. It is also a good idea to listen to traffic announcements to find out about any accidents, road closures or road advisories that you may encounter on route. Trips can take longer during winter weather than other times of the year, so leave some extra time
• Be prepared. In case you are planning to travel to the hills which are prone to snow, make sure your fuel tank is full before you set off. Frosty conditions may cause delays and you don’t want to be stuck in the cold having to walk to the nearest gas station. Your vehicle should always be equipped with a torch and a first aid kit. Take a fully charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it so you can always call for help. And to keep you warm, don’t forget to pack a blanket, some food and a flask of hot tea
• Be aware of fog. If there is a fog warning, delay your trip until it clears. Incase that is not possible, always drive at a slow speed and use low-beam headlights. High-beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see. Always have tail-lights and blinkers on so that other drivers can spot your car and maintain a safe distance. In case your car doesn't have fog lights, keep yellow cellophane paper handy. Stick it to your car's headlights and turn the high beam on
• Adjust your speed. It’s prudent to drive a little slower than normal and always make sure you have enough space between you and the car in front. Following distances should be adjusted accordingly. If you are going faster than you think, reduce speed gradually and avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic
• See and be seen. Keep your lights on low when driving in the snow. Look ahead for traffic lights, stop signs, curves, and give yourself enough time to react. In case of an accident or breakdown, pack a hi-visibility vest to make sure people can see you.