Get your car in tip top shape for the winterNo Date Posted
It is never too soon to start preparing your car for the cold weather. Therefore, to help you prepare your vehicle to withstand all manner of snow and icy terrain, listed below are our top tips on how to get your car in tip-top shape for the winter.
Examine your tyres
Regardless of whether you decide to invest in winter rubber snow tyres with deeper treads, or if you rely upon your existing all-weather tyres, you should inflate your vehicle's tyre to their correct pressure levels before winter arrives. In addition to inflating your tyres to the recommended pressure levels allocated in your owner's manual, you should also check your tyres have a minimum tread depth of 3mm and that they're not worn or cracked in any way. By doing so, you will be able to remain confident that your tyres possess sufficient traction and grip to cope with all manner of snowy and icy terrain.
Check your car battery
According to the RAC, battery faults are the primary cause of winter breakdowns; with 19% of British motorists breaking down during the colder months due to battery-related malfunctions. Fortunately, you can prevent yourself from suffering similar breakdowns by having your car battery tested by a professional mechanic before the winter weather arrives and by ensuring your battery is fully charged before you embark on any long winter car journeys.
Improve your visibility levels
Automotive accidents during the winter months can also be caused by reduced visibility levels. Consequently, you should check your exterior and interior lights are working properly before winter arrives, as well as testing your windscreen wipers and keeping a spare supply of anti-freeze in your car at all times. By doing this you'll be able to quickly detect whether any of your headlights or windscreen wipers are faulty and arrange the necessary repairs in advance.
Test your brakes
During the winter weather, your vehicle's stopping distance can double in comparison to when braking on dry roads. As a result, it is paramount that your brakes are in excellent working condition so that they can operate to the best of their ability on a snowy and icy terrain. If you arrange to have your brakes and brake fluid levels checked by a professional mechanic before the snow and icy weather sets in, you'll be able to fix any vehicular faults which could escalate into potential hazards.
Replenish your engine fluid levels
As well as checking your brake fluid levels as mentioned above, it is also pivotal to check and replenish your engine oil, water and coolant levels in order to ensure your vehicle will operate efficiently during the colder season.
During the winter you'll require an engine oil that is of a lower viscosity than you'd normally use throughout the
year. By doing so, you will be able to start your engine in freezing cold temperatures and sufficiently protect your
engine's fundamental components against frost and ice. Subsequently, if you consult your owner's manual to find out
your vehicle's recommended fluid levels and endeavour to keep these levels replenished throughout the winter, you
can significantly reduce the likelihood of suffering weather-related engine malfunctions.
Last updated: 26/08/2017