There is never a good time to be stuck in a broken down vehicle. However, I’m sure you’d agree that a worse time is when the wintry weather has come in properly and all you want to do get home to your nice warm house. Well, give a thought then to your car, which may well have coped with the nice summer we’ve had but cannot cope too well with the harsher climate. So what should a good winter check consist of?
Antifreeze – engine coolant in summer, antifreeze in winter. Without it, your car may well not start.
Battery check – if in doubt, or if it is old, get it replaced.
Clean – windows and your car. One will ensure you have best visibility, the other will prevent paintwork damage and keep lights looking brightest.
Fuel – only a fool runs out of fuel. Poor conditions can mean delays and queues. Don’t get stuck wishing you’d put that little extra in the tank.
Oil – your car will likely use less oil in the winter, however keep it checked.
Tyres – 3mm should be your bare minimum to gain any kind of traction, especially if you’re not going to buy an all weather or winter set. Check the pressures to make sure they are adequate at least every two weeks.
Supplies – if you’re going on a longer journey, pack sufficiently for it with blankets, spare food, water, a torch, a warning triangle and warm clothing.
Screen wash and other fluids – check your car thoroughly. Any fluids that are low should be topped up. Screen wash should be topped up regularly otherwise it can freeze in the pipework if your mix has too much water.
So there you go, consider these tips and hopefully you’ll have a pleasant autumn into winter driving experience. If in any doubt about anything written above, take your car in to your local garage who should be well placed to advise you about what you can do to ensure a smooth winter drive.
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