We know that car maintenance is a year-round job which means it’s time to get ready for the colder seasons coming our way!
As the winter months draw nearer, not only is it time to get our immune systems prepped and our trusty windbreakers out of the closet, it is also time to get our vehicles prepped and ready!
All machinery is affected by the seasons. There are some car maintenance tips and tricks for keeping your car in top condition all year round: through winter, summer, autumn and spring. It’s all about being prepared and aware of the change in temperature and making sure your car is protected.
You can never be too careful with regards to your safety during the winter months.
6 Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Winter-Ready.
1. Tyre Maintenance
Your tyres are the first stop when it comes to car maintenace. The condition of your tyres is very important when it comes to driving safely in dangerous weather. If you are hoping to use your tyres throughout the winter season, check the durability of the tread. If you see that the wheel is starting to bald, it is advisable to replace them before the roads get hazardous.
Look in your service manual to see the recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tyres in winter and pump them up accordingly.
Discover easy at home tyre checks.
2. Battery check
Your battery is going to be working harder than usual in colder temperatures and here’s why: your battery will be using more charge to get your car up and going when it’s cold.
You can test the charge left on your battery by turning on your headlights BEFORE you start your car engine. Turn the engine on and check to see if your lights go brighter or stay the same. If they go brighter, this could be a sign of a weak battery.
Check and maintain the condition of your battery by:
- Checking water levels
- Keeping the battery clean
- Making sure the battery is secure
- Ensuring all other functions are turned off at night
Discover when you should replace your battery.
3. Car light check
With mornings starting later and evenings coming earlier, it is vital that your lights are in good working condition. You don’t need to do anything too fancy here – just a routine rundown on all the lights on your vehicle.
Check your headlights, tail lights, hazards, brights and indicators.
4. Windscreen and wiper check
Windscreen wipers should be checked and changed regularly so if you haven’t done so in a while, winter would be a good place to start. Make sure that they are smooth and glide over your screen easily. You don’t want to be caught in bad weather with windscreen wipers that won’t do their job properly.
How can you look after your windscreen on cold mornings?
- Using warm water to thaw ice can crack your windscreen. Rather use a scraper instead — even a credit card will do.
- Avoid using your windscreen sprayers during a cold drive as the water can freeze onto your windscreen.
- Use your air conditioner to clear your windscreen from the inside. It’s best to do this while your car is parked to ensure you have sufficient visibility before driving.
Read more about warming up your car in winter.
5. Check your fluids
Replace your oil to make sure your engine is running as well as possible. In the cold, old oil can slow your car down so a fresh oil change is always a good idea.
If your car needs antifreeze, make sure you check and adjust your levels before the winter season. Also remember to keep an eye on your petrol tank. Although we should never let them get too low, freezing temperatures can make it harder for fuel to flow properly to your engine, especially when levels are low.
Do you have your car emergency kit ready? Check out the essentials for your car emergency kit.
6. Get insured
Is this winter prep or just good life advice in general?
If you are fussing with windscreen wipers and tyres before insuring your car, you are doing yourself a massive disservice. With the number of uninsured drivers on the road combined with tricky weather conditions, being financially protected in the event of a car accident is crucial. Staying on top of regular maintenance during winter can help keep you safe and avoid costly repairs.
Comprehensive car insurance means you are covered for accidents, fire, theft, hijacking and other insured incidents.
Your Insurance Family,
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