5 Ways to Prepare Your Car for Winter
As the nights draw in and the temperature starts to drop, we know that winter is well and truly upon us. Although usually considered a time of merriment and socialising, winter can be tough on your car and driving can become treacherous as road conditions worsen due to the changing climate. Here at Walker Cutting we want to help you to look after your car during the winter months and avoid any unnecessary breakdowns. As an approved Bosch service garage we have the knowledge and expertise to limit any issues during these dark, wet and cold months!
Here are 5 ways to keep your car in full working order during winter:
1) Take Your Car For A Full Service
If your car is due a service then it’s definitely worth getting it done before winter. Whilst cars naturally experience more problems during the colder months, a lot of these could be avoided by regular servicing and maintenance. A service will check your car’s general health and make sure that all the elements of your car are ready for the winter, such as tyres, brakes and oil.
2) Check Your Battery
Battery issues are the most common cause of breakdown during the winter months as they not only have to deal with reduced output caused by the cold, but they have the extra problem of increased use of lights, heater and blowers. Batteries which are over 5 years old will most probably suffer during winter, so it is always important to get yours checked or replaced if necessary.
3) Top Up Your Car’s Anti-freeze
Your engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water. Over the year, the solution can become diluted if regularly topped up by water so before the winter hits, top yours up with anti-freeze.
4) Ensure your tyre have enough tread depth
Tyres are extremely important during the winter months, being the sole link between you and the increasingly dangerous road. It is vital that you check your tyre pressure and ensure that you have at least the legal minimum of 1.6mm of tread, and in an ideal world, around 3mm. If you live in a rural area or rely on your car to get into work, you may want to consider winter tyres, which are a legal requirement in many European countries.
5) Check your headlights are working at their best
As we all know, during winter it’s darker, rainier, foggier and generally poor all round for visibility. To give yourself the best chance, make sure that your lights are clean and working properly, replace any bulbs and consider carrying spares. For a clear view of the road, ensure your windscreen is clean and address any chips or cracks which could be exacerbated by the cold. You should also have a look at your wipers and check for nicks or tears.
Walker Cutting Bosch Service
Walker Cutting is the place to go if you want to get your car checked over before winter. We offer great value services on all makes and models, even if your car is still under warranty. Whether it’s a new set of of tyres of general repairs, Walker Cutting can take care of it for you.
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