Nine methods to get your vehicle prepared for winter

Winter is on its way – and that indicates we all face the improved threat of treacherous driving situations.

Breakdowns are also more widespread in the cold weather.

So this is the time to give your auto the once over, ahead of the temperature dips too low. Here’s out leading tips to get your car geared up for winter…

1. Check your battery

Battery difficulties are the most common cause for get in touch with-outs to breakdown services – and is it any wonder when heaters, lights, entertainment systems and windscreen wipers all put a strain on the battery?

The average lifespan of a battery is 5 years, so it may possibly be worth getting a replacement if your battery is old. Also, attempt to lessen the burden on the battery by turning off wipers, lights and heaters whenever feasible and practical.

2. Change your tyres

Tyres should have a minimum 3mm of tread during the winter months to sustain their grip on the road.

You may even consider switching to winter or all-season tyres, which are developed to handle the road greater in the course of cold and wet circumstances.

3. Pack an emergency vehicle kit

An emergency vehicle kit can be a lifesaver for the duration of a winter breakdown. Ideally, it should consist of a blanket, meals, water, torch and phone charger.

It’s also a good thought to carry a shovel, some jump leads and a tow rope in your automobile, just in case.

4. Keep your cool

It is important to check the car’s cooling technique in order to safeguard the engine when the temperature plummets. The coolant in the technique is essentially diluted anti-freeze, and most automobiles want a 50-50 mix of water and anti-freeze in the course of the winter.

It is very effortless to verify the level of coolant in the program, but it is a lot more hard to make certain the anti-freeze is the appropriate type and concentration. The handbook will give you the relevant data, but take the auto to a garage if you are in any doubt.

5. Leading-up your screen wash

The automobile windscreen is likely to get dirty in the winter, especially on a long journey, so prime up the screen wash routinely.

If your screen wash freezes, don’t just preserve pushing the pump button – you could blow a fuse and finish up with a larger issue that requires time and income to place appropriate.

6. Inspect your wiper blades

Windscreen wipers will not be efficient if the blades are damaged or corroded. Regular checks are therefore essential.

Winter climate reduces visibility, so you do not want dodgy wipers to make a bad situation even worse.

Also, keep in mind to switch off the vehicle with the wipers in park position. If not, they could stick to the windscreen in icy situations.

7. Lubricate locks and door seals

Doors and locks can stick in extremely cold temperatures. A squirt of WD40 can support. Or you could smear some Vaseline around the locks and door seals.

7 Check exterior lights

We do not usually verify that the exterior lights are working, but it is vital in winter when the nights draw in.

9. Fill up with fuel

Winter journeys can be unpredictable, so make certain you have plenty of fuel in the tank ahead of you set off. Don’t threat running quick – an unexpected diversion or a prolonged stay in a visitors jam could leave you at threat of operating dry, miles from property and at the mercy of the components.

Have I missed something? What are your ideas and strategies for safe and trouble-cost-free driving by means of the winter months?

Let us know in the box below…

Nine methods to get your vehicle prepared for winter