A Quick Checklist To Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter
Winter is upon us and as the mercury plummets, now is the time to ensure our vehicles are ready for the cold snap.
Winter brings with it a number of issues for drivers. From road hazards such as black ice and snow, to mechanical problems with their car due to the drop in temperature, drivers need to prepare for the cold weather in order to keep themselves and their vehicle safe.
To help you do just that, we’ve put together this checklist that drivers should use to make sure their vehicle is fully prepared for the winter months. This will ensure your vehicle is up to the task, avoiding costly repairs at what’s arguably the worst time of the year to get a whopping bill!
Check Oil
Picture the scene, you’re driving along the road on your way to work. It’s below freezing outside and suddenly your oil light shows and your car comes to a grinding halt. Not an ideal situation, I think you’ll agree!
However this is a very common occurrence in winter and it highlights the need to check your oil and make sure there’s enough in your vehicle to keep your car going.
The cold weather can cause the oil to thicken, which makes it more difficult for your engine’s parts to get the lubrication they need. Low oil can make the problem much worse and if you’re not careful this can cause serious damage.
Avoid this by checking your oil level is where it should be. If not, be sure to top it up as soon as possible – this goes for any time of year, but especially so in winter!
Tyres
During winter icy roads are common, which can pose a serious hazard for motorists. One minute you can be driving along all fine and dandy and the next you’re skidding out of control after breaking on some black ice!
To help prepare yourself for the slippery conditions, you need to make sure your tyres are up to the job. Start by making sure they have enough tread. Bald tyres are a serious safety hazard at the best of times, but in winter you’re really asking for trouble.
Likewise, tyre pressure can make a huge difference. Check the pressure of your tyres using the car’s handbook as a guide. If you’re unsure how to check how much air is in your tyres then take it to a professional. It shouldn’t cost much and knowing your and your family are safe while you’re driving is priceless.
Anti-Freeze
Have you got a can of antifreeze in the glovebox? If not then get yourself one as you may just need it! Over the last few years we’ve had some extremely cold winters. If the temperatures get particularly low once again this year, you can expect your windscreen to freeze over on a pretty regular basis.
There’s nothing worse than sitting in a cold vehicle waiting for the windscreen to clear – particularly if you’re late for work! So make sure you’ve got a can of antifreeze and you should be on your way in next to no time!
Battery/Electrics
By far the most common reason for breakdowns during the winter is battery issues. By reducing its capacity and slowing down the chemical reactions that occur in the battery, cold weather can impede its ability to produce energy.
To prepare for cold weather, start by checking for any corrosion on the battery’s terminals and cables, before cleaning them thoroughly. Test the battery's charge level and consider using a charger to ensure it's fully charged.
If you’re unsure how to do any of this, again take it to a professional. While the initial outlay may cost you a little, it could save you alot in the long run as batteries aren’t cheap.
If the battery is several years old, you may want to think about replacing it to avoid potential issues in low temperatures. Obviously this depends on your current finances but at the very least, give your battery a once-over or pay someone to take a look for you.
Windscreen Wipers
Chances are, you’re going to be using your windscreen wipers a lot in winter. Heck, this is the UK so what’s new, right?!
Windscreen wipers play a pivotal but often underappreciated role in keeping us safe on the roads. Without them our view of the roads would be extremely limited during heavy rain or snow, which can be extremely dangerous to ourselves and others.
With all this additional use, windscreen wipers, and in particular the motor that powers them, can become worn in winter. Make sure yours are working properly and if they’re showing any signs of deterioration or the motor is making any strange noises, it may be time to arrange a replacement before they’re really put to use.
Oh and remember to avoid using wipers on frosted glass until it’s started to melt as this can put too much strain on the motor and cause it to fail.
Windscreen Cover
Speaking of windscreens, have you got cover for yours? Winter is the most perilous season for windscreen, so having cover can help you avoid hefty repair bills at a time when damage to your glass is most likely.
Many people believe they have windscreen cover when in actual fact they don’t.
So check your insurance policy and see whether you have cover. If not, now is the time to get car window insurance cover.
So those are our top tips for keeping you and your vehicle safe this winter. By ticking off this checklist and ensuring your car has enough oil, windscreen wash and antifreeze, while also checking your battery and purchasing windscreen cover, your vehicle should be better prepared for the harsher conditions winter will inevitably bring.