Renfrewshire residents are urged to make sure their cars are up to scratch for winter travel.
It is important for people to make sure their car is ready for winter before travelling in poor weather. There are a number of simple steps residents can take to help make sure their car is prepared for winter journeys.
Check that the battery is reliable, clean and doesn’t need replaced. Make sure good winter tyres are installed and get them checked with a garage before the winter season. Car brakes, lights and exhaust should all also be checked to ensure they are safe for travelling.
Packing an emergency kit is also advised for journeys in poor weather. ReadyScotland recommends including a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a torch, a map, an ice scraper and de-icer, a shovel for snow, warm clothes and a blanket, and some food and a warm drink in a flask.
Residents should also remember to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out, and leave plenty of time to get to their destination.
Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board, said: “With winter approaching the bad weather can make simple journeys more hazardous.
“It is important to get your car checked and make sure it is ready for travelling in bad weather conditions.
“It’s such a simple thing to do and it will help ensure that your car is ready for getting you to where you need to be safely this winter.”
Renfrewshire Council will also be preparing for winter travel by gritting throughout winter, providing 24 hour cover to respond to snow and ice using a fleet of specialist gritting vehicles. Over 6,500 tonnes of salt have been purchased to treat more than 540 miles of road and 800 miles of pavements in Renfrewshire.
There are over 300 grit bins provided at locations around Renfrewshire, and residents are encouraged to make use of them. Clearing footways around your own home and helping elderly or infirm neighbours will ensure that many footways will be safer and easier to use.
For more information about the Ready for Winter campaign, including information on Winter gritting, useful contact numbers and advice on how to do your bit, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/winter.
Updates on gritting and winter weather advice are also available on Renfrewshire Council’s Twitter @rencouncilnews and Facebook page www.facebook.com/renfrewshire.