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Ways to prepare your car for winter – and avoid getting a £1,000 fine

WITH winter conditions on the roads now in full swing, drivers are being warned to check their vehicles in a bid to avoid fines.
Among the faults which could land drivers in hot water is driving not being visible in poor conditions, which could lead to a £1,000 charge.

Although cars made after 2011 are fitted with automatic ‘daytime running lights’ (DRLs) for visibility, it is important to remember that all drivers should switch on brighter lights when necessary, the RAC said.
Drivers who fail to do this could be on the end of a large fine.
According to the Highway Code, all cars must have DRLs that switch on when the engine starts to help with road visibility and safety.
It is then advised that drives must turn on the vehicle’s dipped headlights and brighter rear lights to help other road users.

Meanwhile, there are other simple pieces of driving advice that if ignored could also end up in you getting a large penalty to pay.
Here are some important ones to remember:
Lightbulbs in headlights, brake lights and any other part of your car can blow at any time – and this can lead to fines from the police.
They can give you a £100 fine on the spot and three penalty points on your licence.
The police may also issue a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice’, giving you 14 days to show that you’ve fixed the problem.

According to the Highway Code, the minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 millimetres around the circumference of the tyre and through the central three quarters of tread width.
Also, your tyres will be deemed illegal if they’re under or over inflated, so give them a check.
Should you get caught by the police you could be on the end of a £2,500 fine per tyre – meaning that you cold end up paying £10,000 in total.
This could also lead to three penalty points per tyre.

The Department for Transport explains that all windscreen wipers ‘must be properly adjusted and maintained in efficient working order’ and that failure to do so could lead to dangerous driving scenarios.
This could lead to a £2,500 fine and three penalty points.
According to Section 34 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, cars must be fitted with a windscreen wiper and washer capable of cleaning your windscreen at all times.
The rule ensures that drivers have a clear view of the road.
If your car has no washer fluid, you could be charged with careless driving, an offence where police have the power to issue an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice for £100 and three penalty points on your licence.
Damaged windscreens can have a serious impact on road safety.
The Highway Code says drivers should have a full view of the road ahead and glass should be maintained in a good condition.

If a police officer decides you’re using a vehicle in dangerous condition, you could face a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence.

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