Editor’s Blog on travelling at Christmas
NOTHING like a bit of preparation. We’re off to Cornwall for a Christmas break, so I thought it would be wise to have a set of winter tyres fitted to my Audi.
Now I know many of you quite sceptical about the benefits of winter tyres – is the expense really worth it? And I can see that point of view. If you don’t drive many miles, and you can avoid going out in the slush and snow, then that’s valid.
But consider that you will get through a set of tyres during a 30,000/three year period in your business car, then making one of these sets a winter tyre set makes sense.
Why? Because winter tyres work well at anything below 7 degrees C, providing more grip on the road surface thanks to a more malleable construction. If you want to know more, read our excellent special report The business benefits of winter tyres.
Audi has introduced a new winter tyre programme which is available at Audi Centres across the country. You can either get stand-alone winter tyre sets or complete wheel-and-tyre sets covering all models from the dinky A1 to the gargantuan Q7 luxury SUV. The winter tyre sets can be fitted to existing wheels from £550 including fitting. Wheel-and-tyre sets on 16-inch to 19-inch alloy wheels start from £792 including fitting.
So, winter tyres are now fitted and I shall report further on what they are like (so far different ride and seem quieter but only over a few miles).
Apart from winter tyres, what else can you do to make sure you stay safe as possible if you’re driving home for Christmas – or going away for a Christmas break?
I asked the IAM‘s Simon Elstow for some advice. This is what he had to say:
Prepare your vehicle – check tyre pressure, top up your washer fluid and make sure all your lights are working.
Plan your journey by checking the weather conditions both for where you’re travelling from, and your destination. Check updates on the radio during your journey, and take a map so you can re-route if you need to.
Share the driving on long journeys.
Take regular breaks.
Pack enough food, books and games to keep the kids occupied.
Let someone at home know when you plan to arrive.
Watch out for other road users and give them plenty of room and consideration.
In case the worst happens, ensure that you have plenty of fuel. Pack an emergency kit of spare clothes, a shovel, water and food, ice scraper, reflective jacket and fully charged mobile phone with your breakdown provider’s details programmed in. It is also a good idea to carry with you any regular medication you take – your journey may take longer than planned.
Good advice. I wish you all a safe journey and much joy over the festive season.
Previous blog on the editor’s Audi A6
Driving in the snow
