Essential Winter Car Care Tips

We know how storms could affect our cars and that is why everyone is parading with their cars. Cold and rainy weather in most cases translates to a higher chance of breaks and small mishaps escalating into a larger one at the most inconvenient time.

However, I am happy to report that there are some minor adjustments one can make and some minor car repair Newbury can get done to keep their car running properly in the winter.

Here’s our quick guide.

1. Have a service

In this case, it could be reduced to half of the problems in winter when it is much colder, having a late autumn service.

This will mean that the car is good to go on the ice, the tyres are in good condition, the oil is replaced, and all parts are lubricated well. And that can help a lot in bringing down the possibility of car repairs.

2. Battery check

This means you have to start with the different areas of your car that are affected by winter, and one part of that is the battery. Tele-work production declines during the colder months.

The nights are also longer implying that there is increased usage of your lights in those evenings. Next, if the car is, let’s say, a few years old, it will be wise to know when the battery was changed last.

In this case, for instance, people have to realize that it is recommended to change the battery of a car at least every five years. If you have experienced some lack of engine start sometimes in the recent past, then it could be that you need a new battery and this is something worth considering.

3. Check your tyres

Another part of the car is the tyres Of course, we all know what they are for and what they do. We all know that they are situated at the bottom of the car, and their main purpose is to protect the car from getting flat and enable the car to move on the road.

During winter, the moisturised roads are slippery and not safe to drive as compared to other seasons. They have the prospect of ice and snow as well. The good thing about changing the tyres is that this should be done before the arrival of winter if the tread on your tyres is worn out.

• Ensure one checks the tyres and scans the surface to ensure it is free from cuts, scores, or any form of bump where there shouldn’t be any.
• If a 20-pence coin doesn’t fit freely into the tread grooves with about 1mm of the rim visible below the tyre surface, then it is worn out. If you put it in the tread, then it must encroach on the part that reads “TWENTY PENCE.”
• Lastly, inspect the tyre pressure and inflate your tyres as required.

4. Top up with anti-freeze

Should you have diluted your coolant with water in the summer, make sure to add a little more anti-freeze before the onset of the cold seasons. In case you are in doubt, perhaps it would be better to drop by your garage now and again.

5. Check windscreen wipers

These are usually replaced in service, although heavy use can wear them out. First, wash the inside of the windscreen with water, and then wash the outside of it while inspecting the rubber of the wipers so that they are all there and not torn.

If there are little micro-cracks or small holes in them, you might wish to have them replaced.

6. Clean all your lights

If your car is exposed to the elements, especially if it rains, most parts of the car will be wet and cold, thus making the exterior grimy. This may be a small thing, but it helps, as when you leave the house, you should always make sure and check the outside briefly first, especially the lights.

In the event you are outside, touching them will clean up the dirt that may have accumulated, thereby ensuring you are noticed during the night or in poor visibility.

7. Assemble a breakdown kit

I particularly do not like it when my car develops a problem during the winter; it has such a cold feeling to it. If you are heading out on long journeys, make sure you have a kit together that should include:

• Food and drink.
• Reflective vest for the night.
• A torch.
• Blankets and warm clothing.
• Shovel and snow/ice grips for your shoes
• Fully charged mobile/smartphone.

This is the guide that is commonly heard and promoted by experts, suggesting that if you are well-equipped, you can handle whatever the season throws your way. Or you could book MOT Newbury every year. We’ve been thinking that a little bit of work now will pay off a lot later.