John Craddock Ltd Magazine (December 2020)
While it might already feel Baltic wherever you are in the UK, we’ve not yet hit the start of winter which is due to begin on Monday 21st December. So it’s safe to assume that conditions are about to get much colder, windier, wetter and (most likely) snowier! No doubt, the prospect of heavy snowfall might have many Land Rover owners rubbing their hands with glee. However, while the white stuff most definitely makes for an interesting ride, it can also pose a number of issues while driving, which means it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle for all weather conditions and eventualities.
In this handy guide, we’ll give you the rundown of all you need to know when it comes to prepping your vehicle for winter. We’ll explore Land Rover parts and accessories to give you the edge on ice and snow, as well as some tips to help you stay safe whether you’re heading on or off road this winter.
Land Rover Parts & Accessories For Winter
For the winter adventurer, there are a wide range of Land Rover parts and accessories that can be put to good use in the colder months. The main challenges when it comes to this time of year are reduced visibility and traction thanks to fog, snow and rain. However, with the right amount of prep, plenty of Plan B options and a healthy dose of élan, it’s more than possible to continue with off-road expeditions and safe winter driving through December and beyond.
Lighting
As mentioned, reduced visibility is one of the biggest challenges for driving in the depths of winter. From bleak mornings and dark nights to blizzard conditions and torrential rain, any number of weather conditions can lead to difficulties seeing the road clearly or being seen yourself by other road users. For these reasons, it’s essential to make sure the lights on your vehicle are fit for purpose in any and all circumstances.
This starts with checking that all of your lights, including hazards, front and rear fog lights and indicators, are working at full brightness. It’s also important to check that each pair of lights or headlamps are operating at the same intensity, If they aren’t, then change the bulbs and test them before you hit the road. Alternatively, you might consider an upgrade for maximum visibility on the road. There are a wide range of lighting options available for different types of Land Rover vehicles, including LED headlights and light bars, halogen headlamps, driving lamps, beacons, and more.
In terms of lighting maintenance, it’s also advisable to check if any of the lenses on your vehicle have moisture inside them. If so, remove and dry them thoroughly to ensure that your lights are fully visible before you hit the road.
Windscreen
Throughout winter, no matter where you are in the world, it’s safe to say you’ll most likely need to use your windscreen wipers at one point or another. Whether it’s for clearing your windscreen of road spray or grit or swiping your way through a snow flurry, your wiper blades will be working twice as hard so make sure they’re in optimal condition.
Before you head out, take a look at each of your wiper blades on the front and back of your vehicle, and check for any defects. Ragged edges, splits, and distortions are good indicators that your windscreen wipers won’t make it through the winter, so show them some mercy and get them replaced. It’s also worth checking the drive mechanism for wear, as a deterioration here can lead to poor performance and visibility problems on the road.
Before you hit the road, check that your screen wash is topped up and the pump is working effectively to avoid any screen clearance issues. Also, make sure you have plenty of de-icer or an ice scraper handy in your vehicles so you can easily clear your windscreen, mirrors, headlights and brake lights on the fly.
Tyres
Reduced traction is one of the most challenging aspects of winter driving. Snow and ice can lead to slipping, skidding and stalling in an ill-prepared vehicle, which means it’s super important to pay good attention to your tyres when gearing up for off-roading in the colder months.
First of all, check the tread depth on your tyres. For maximum grip on icy and snow laden roads you should have at least 3mm of tread and no less than 2mm. You should also make sure that each tyre is at the right pressure and properly inflated. Both over and under inflated tyres can lead to reduced grip and stability problems, which is not what you need when you’re navigating icy conditions!
Installing winter tyres to your vehicle can also lend peace of mind, especially if you live in a particularly snowy or icy location. These types of tyres are specially made with cold conditions in mind to offer improved traction and better grip on your wintry adventures.
Winter Essentials
Along with making sure all your Land Rover parts and accessories are fit for purpose and firing on all cylinders, it’s also helpful to kit your vehicle out with a winter survival kit in case of a breakdown. We’d suggest making sure you have de-icer or an ice scraper handy, a torch (with spare batteries), your mobile phone with power bank and charger, a map or road atlas, sunglasses, a first aid kit and a jerry can.
In the event that you get stranded in your vehicle, we’d also recommend bringing along extra warm clothing, bottles of water, and snacks to help you stay comfortable if you need to wait on recovery. Alongside these things, consider throwing in a high-vis jacket and investing in jump leads and warning triangles. It’s important to stay visible, especially if there’s a chance you might have to change a tyre or carry out ad hoc repairs whilst out on the road.
Get Winter Ready With John Craddock Ltd
Wintery conditions aren’t just for Christmas. They quite often extend to late February, particularly snowfall, so it’s important to ensure your Land Rover is in tip top condition to take on anything and everything the weather throws at you. Here at John Craddock Ltd, we supply a huge amount of Land Rover parts and accessories for Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover and Series vehicles. From winter ready 4×4 tyres to wiper blades, lighting, off-road protection, winches and more, you’ll find everything you need to kit your car out for every frosty eventuality.
As 2020 draws to a close, check out our articles to kick-start your off-roading in the new year in style!
