If you are planning on visiting family and friends over the festive period, it is a good idea to ensure that your car is in tip-top condition to avoid getting stranded in the cold this Christmas.
Breakdowns are more common in the winter, with batteries and engines more likely to freeze as temperatures plummet, add this to the darker nights and you could encounter some mechanical problems.
Whilst ice and heavy snow are a big concern, wind, rain, storms floods can also cause major problems on the roads, so with this in mind, it is worth making sure you car is winter proofed.
Follow our tips below to ensure your car is prepared for the winter weather.
Checking Tyres
General checks of your tyre pressure are essential before any long journey. You can check the pressure by using a pressure gauge if you have one or you can do this at a petrol station and use their air compressor. If you are unsure as to what the correct pressure should be, check on the inside of the driver’s door where there should be a label containing this information. If it is not there, refer to the user’s manual.
Not only will properly inflated tyres help you avoid a blowout during your long drive, but it will actually improve your fuel-consumption.
As well as tyre pressure, it is also good to check the overall condition of the tyres as well as the tread depth which helps the car grip to the road.
Fuel
Make sure that you fill up your fuel tank before setting off on your travels. You don’t want your fuel light to come on when you’re far from home and don’t know where the nearest petrol station is.
Fluids
It is essential that you check your engine oil, brake fluid, windscreen washer and antifreeze levels and ensure that they are all topped up. Some common indications that your fluids need replacing are a darkening or thickening of the fluid itself, or residue in the fluids.
It is also a good idea when driving in colder conditions to replace your regular windscreen washer with antifreeze as this is a good way to keep your wipers from freezing to your windscreen.
Battery
A flat battery is a nightmare on a icy cold journey. Not only can it lead to you being stuck on the side of the road, but it can also mean that you are unable to start the engine and put the heating on which isn’t great in sub-zero temperatures.
If your battery isn’t in the greatest of conditions, this means that it might struggle the most during winter. Do your best to switch off anything that runs down your battery (like lights, heaters and the radio) every time that you stop. Before you set off on your journey you should make sure that you have some working jump starters in the boot just in case the battery needs a boost!
If you feel that your car could do with a winter health check, why not contact us today to book your car in. You can contact us on 01604 589179 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday or 8am and 4pm on Saturday to book an appointment.
