The Essential Winter Car Checklist
Collaborative post
Winter is almost here and now that the clocks have gone back, we are starting to see a real shift in the climate of our country. When the weather starts to deplete and temperatures drop, it is important for us to take the opportunity to prepare our homes and our cars for the cold season.
Today we want to take a look at how you can prepare your car for the winter and the essential checks you should undertake to keep it running safely and smoothly all winter long.
Check your fluids
The first thing you need to check in your vehicle when the weather becomes cold is antifreeze. Both antifreeze and coolant perform an integral role in the safety of the car, and keeping these levels high is imperative. Make sure you have enough of each of these fluids in your vehicle and it will prevent any breakdowns on the road that could send you straight to Emerald House of Cars for a new car.
Check your battery
The battery of a car is a feature often taken for granted and forgotten about. Your car battery will last for years, and with regular checks and maintenance it should never run out of power. However, make sure before heading for a winter drive that the battery has plenty of power, because the last thing you want to happen is it to run out when you are driving in the dark!
Maintain the wipers
Both the wiper shields and wiper fluid are important parts of the car. When maintaining your car for the winter it is important to fill up your wiper fluid with plenty of soapy fluid, and don’t dilute it with too much water as this will run a bigger risk of freezing. Wiper shields don’t need replacing very often however now and again it is a great idea to change them. Once wipers become cracked and chipped they will be unable to wipe away water and snow from your car effectively.
The tyres
Your tyres are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the ground. This makes them one of the most crucial features of your vehicle and one that must be checked and maintained regularly. First of all, make sure that the tyre tread is at least at a depth of 1.6mm, and that there are no visible bulges or slashes in the tyres. Aquaplaning can be a huge issue in the winter months as there is more moisture on the roads, and as such it is important for you to have enough tread to disperse water safely. Tyre pressure is also incredibly important to maintain and you should fill up the tyres when cold to the pressure in your manufacturer’s guide.
An oil change
Oil is an integral part of your car. It acts as a lubricant that lies between the moving parts of your car and ensures that they will not rub against each other or stall. When it comes to oiling your vehicle, you can check the level with the dipstick under the hood. This should always be between the minimum and maximum level.