How to get your car winter ready!
- Blog, Tips & Advice, Weather
- Published
- Updated: March 3, 2021
Tips and Advice- How to get your car ready for winter
With winter approaching, a few minutes’ maintenance could see your motor through the worst the weather has to offer.
1. Get your car serviced
If your car is due a service, get it done before the winter. While the cold can cause lots of problems for cars, up to half of them could have been prevented by regular servicing and maintenance checks.
2. Check the battery
Checking the battery should be a priority when preparing for the winter months.
During the winter months, the battery can suffer from the cold temperatures – reducing the output – and the increased use of lights, heater and blower, which place it under additional strain. If your car is having problems starting, get the battery checked out and replaced if necessary.
3. Top up engine coolant with antifreeze
Engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. You will need to top it up with antifreeze
as it becomes diluted over time, people make the mistake of topping up with water during the year, so the antifreeze gets over-diluted and freezes during very cold weather. This can lead to the engine over-heating and a very large repair bill.
4. Check the condition of your tyre’s
As a car’s tyre’s are key to both steering and braking, it is essential they are in good condition. Check tyres for pressure and tread depth. We recommend a minimum of 3mm depth during the winter, compared to the legal minimum of 1.6mm, as this gives better grip. You could also look at changing from summer to winter tyre’s, as these also offer increased group in snow slush or ice.
5.Carry a winter car breakdown kit
This should include a shovel, torch, blanket, hi-visibility vest, screen – wash, food and drink supplies, scraper and de-icer, and snow grips for your shoes in case you need to walk to safety and a fully charged mobile phone.
Important to remember
Drive according to the road and weather conditions. Common sense needs to prevail to reduce the number of accidents, so slow down, stay alert, and stay in control.
