Winter can be tough on vehicles, especially during the busy holiday travel season. As Christmas approaches, it’s essential to prepare your car for the challenges of colder weather. By following a few key tips, you can ensure your vehicle is ready to handle icy roads, freezing temperatures, and reduced visibility, keeping your holiday journeys safe and stress-free.
Check Your Tyres Thoroughly
Your tyres are your vehicle’s primary contact with the road, making their condition crucial in winter.
Tread Depth: Legally in the UK, the minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but for winter driving, it’s advisable to have at least 3mm for improved grip on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Worn tyres reduce braking effectiveness, particularly in slippery conditions.
Tyre Pressure: Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop. Check and adjust your tyre pressure regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommended levels, to maintain proper handling and fuel efficiency.
Winter Tyres: Consider switching to winter tyres if you frequently drive in freezing or snowy conditions. These tyres are designed to provide superior grip in cold weather.
Inspect and Maintain Your Battery
A car battery’s performance diminishes in cold weather, and older batteries are particularly vulnerable.
Battery Health: If your battery is more than five years old or shows signs of weakness, such as slow engine starts, have it tested by a professional.
Connections: Ensure that battery terminals are clean and secure. Corroded terminals can affect performance.
Proactive Charging: Use a trickle charger or battery maintainer if your car isn’t driven regularly in winter. This can help keep the battery fully charged and ready to perform.
Top Up and Protect Your Fluids
Fluids are vital to your car’s operation, and winter conditions make them even more important.
Antifreeze: Antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing in low temperatures. Check your coolant levels and ensure the antifreeze-to-water ratio is correct (usually 50:50 for most vehicles).
Screen Wash: Use a winter-grade screen wash with antifreeze properties to prevent freezing in the reservoir and maintain visibility in snow or sleet.
Engine Oil: Check your oil levels and use winter-grade oil if recommended by your vehicle’s manual. Lighter oils flow better in cold weather and help keep the engine lubricated.
Test Your Lights and Wipers
Visibility is often reduced in winter due to fog, snow, or early sunsets, so fully functioning lights and wipers are essential.
Exterior Lights: Test all exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean the lenses to maximise brightness.
Windscreen Wipers: Inspect your wipers for cracks or wear. Winter-grade wiper blades are available, designed to handle snow and ice more effectively.
Defrosters: Ensure your windscreen defroster and rear-window heating elements are working correctly to quickly clear frost and ice.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
Unexpected breakdowns or delays are more common in winter, so it’s wise to be prepared.
Essential Items to Include:
- Warm Clothing and Blankets: To keep you warm in case of a breakdown.
- De-icer and Ice Scraper: To clear your windows and mirrors quickly.
- Torch with Spare Batteries: Essential for night-time breakdowns.
- First-Aid Kit: To handle minor injuries or emergencies.
- Non-Perishable Snacks and Water: Useful during extended delays.
- Mobile Phone Charger: Ensure your phone stays charged for emergency calls.
- Jump Leads: To restart your car or assist others with a dead battery.
- Shovel and Traction Mats: For areas prone to snow, these can help free a stuck car.
Plan Your Winter Journeys Carefully
Driving in winter requires more preparation to account for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Check Weather Reports: Always look at the weather forecast before heading out. If heavy snow or ice is predicted, consider postponing non-essential trips.
- Stick to Main Roads: Main roads are more likely to be gritted and cleared of snow. Avoid rural or less-traveled routes unless necessary.
- Extra Travel Time: Allow more time to reach your destination, as icy roads can slow traffic.
- Fuel Levels: Keep your tank at least half full to prevent condensation in the fuel tank, which can lead to fuel line freezing.
- Book your Winter Prep Service with A3E Auto – there is still time ’till Christmas, don’t get stuck!
Keep your holiday travels merry and bright with a winter-ready car! Regular checks and maintenance not only keep you safe but also save you from unexpected breakdowns. Let A3E Auto’s Winter Prep Service ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free this festive season. Safe travels and happy holidays!
