Tag Archives: Drive

How To Drive Safely In Winter

December 10, 2023   Matt

How To Drive Safely In Winter

Weather can vary considerably over a very short period of time and distance. Winter can often strike suddenly and severely, leaving motorists unprepared for the conditions. This is an essential guide to driving safely in winter from GEM Motoring Assist, the leading UK driver based road safety association.

Winter driving checklist
Before winter weather arrives, check that your vehicle:
• is properly maintained and serviced
• tyres have plenty of tread depth, are in good condition and correctly inflated (don’t forget the spare)
• radiator contains anti-freeze and the cooling system is free from leaks
• battery is in good condition (many garages / battery suppliers will carry out this check free of charge)
• windscreen wipers and washers are working effectively
• washer bottles are full and contain anti-freezing / cleaning additive.

Before driving in winter weather check that:
• all lights are clean and working properly
• all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from snow and ice.

Winter driving tips
• use dipped headlights in poor visibility
• reduce your speed compared to ‘normal’ driving conditions
• keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. It takes much longer to stop in wet or icy conditions
• avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering
• keep a careful watch out for other road users especially motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and young pedestrians.

Plan your journey
Before setting out on a journey during winter weather conditions make the following checks:
• is the journey absolutely necessary?
• check the local and national weather forecasts
• obtain travel information and road conditions from local and national radio
• ensure that the vehicle has a full fuel tank
• give an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination
• take the appropriate equipment with you. Consider the following: mobile phone, warm clothing / footwear, torch, shovel, hot drink, food, fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket, warning triangle, and a mat or sacking for extra grip in deep snow
• finally ask yourself again if the journey is necessary.

Once on your way
• if you get into trouble, try not to abandon your vehicle, stay with it until help arrives
• if you are forced to leave your vehicle make yourself visible by wearing a fluorescent / reflective tabard / jacket.

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Landscape Can Drive Home Values

October 30, 2023   Matt

Landscape Can Drive Home Values

The look of your lawn and garden may be the first and perhaps the most lasting impression people have of your home and property. Landscaping plays an essential role in enhancing its beauty and increasing the value.

Fortunately, homeowners can turn their own landscapes into works of art at an affordable price.

In recent years, many companies have begun to introduce more varieties of bagged rock and mulch. A new line of decorative rock and stone from Vigoro offers landscaping enthusiasts 26 varieties of bagged products in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Decorative landscaping stones and mulches are not only an excellent way to beautify and accent garden beds, ponds, driveways and walkways, they also provide natural benefits to the soil and plants. These benefits include controlling and reducing erosion, retaining moisture, controlling weeds and insulating the soil.

Here are a few tips on choosing and applying mulch:

• Choose mulch that is long lasting and not easily washed away.

• Pick mulch that has a loose structure to let water pass through quickly.

• Apply mulch in late spring. This helps reduce soil temperature and save water.

• Apply fine mulches one to two inches deep. Coarse or fluffy mulches should be put on three to four inches deep.

• Apply mulch evenly and level it with a rake or your hands.

• Wet thoroughly after applying mulch.

• Pull mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.

To further control weeds and keep plants healthy, there’s a new mulch called Vigoro Mulch with Weed Stop. It’s the first to contain pre-emergent herbicide, controlling unwanted weeds for up to four months yet allowing bulbs, established flowers, shrubs and trees to thrive. This mulch is certified by the Mulch and Soil Council as only containing natural forest products.

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