GARAGES in Ellesmere Port are offering motorists free advice about driving on treacherous winter roads.
Icy roads have caused a sharp rise in car crashes during the past fortnight.
Both Port Tyres and Autocare, and Ellesmere – Maple Tyres, on Rossmore Industrial Estate, are providing practical tips to people who will be driving in cold and wet conditions.
Rob Johnson, manager of Ellesmere – Maple Tyres, said: “The winter weather is setting in fast and driving in these conditions places stress on a vehicle’s tyres.
“Driving in slippery conditions requires skilful and delicate use of the vehicle’s controls, steering, brakes and accelerator.
“One myth we are keen to dispel is that you should reduce tyre pressure for driving in the snow, but this can be dangerous. To achieve the best traction in snowy conditions, all tyre pressures should be maintained at the manufacturer’s recommended pressures, details of which can be found in the vehicle’s handbook.”
Ellesmere – Maple Tyres is asking people to listen to the weather forecast and traffic reports and not to travel if the police or motoring organisations advise against it.
Port Tyres and Autocare owner Craig Warburton said: “People who don’t have regular servicing will find that their anti-freeze levels aren’t as they should be and this will result in frozen heater hoses.
“So no hot water can get around the pipework and it could overheat the engine, which has its own consequences.”
