Car safety tips to get your car winter ready
It’s time to get your car winter-ready ahead of morning frosts and cold snaps. We advise following the below tips to ensure your car is as safe and comfortable as it possibly can be before the cold really sets in. Whether you’re headed on a drive up the mountain, or nipping around the city, we recommend taking some time to ensure you’ve considered the safety of your car this winter.
Maintenance
The reduced temperatures in winter put more pressure on your engine, meaning it must work harder—increasing the risk of it wearing out. The fluids in your car can freeze in sub-zero temperatures, so it’s vital to ensure your anti-freeze is topped up and in good condition.
Don’t risk your tyres losing traction on the road, check that your tread is 1.5mm deep as a minimum and that the tyre pressure is correct and equal across all 4 tyres.
A pre-winter service could pick up any issues before those colder months set in. Book yours now to save the headache of a cold weather breakdown.
Windscreen
Cold and wet conditions can cause impaired vision through a windscreen. If you don’t clean your windscreen properly, you only add to the problem. Be sure to clean all vehicle windows with an automotive window cleaner before setting off on your journey. For your own safety, factor time into your morning to do this. Impaired vision significantly increases the risk of a crash, so it’s worth taking the time to do so.
Battery
Your battery is more likely to be pushed to its limits during the winter months compared to the summer. If you have any doubts about your battery’s performance, now is the time to get it tested and replaced if necessary. We would recommend carrying a set of good quality jump leads in your vehicle in case of a breakdown. Even if your vehicle is fine, they may come in handy if you need to help a fellow driver.
Headlights and Taillights
At the risk of stating the obvious, the days are far shorter in winter, therefore it’s extremely likely you’ll be driving in the dark a lot more than during the summer. Are your lights working correctly—front and back? And are they clean? Working lights not only help you to see where you’re going but ensure you’re visible to other road users. Check them and make plans to fix this if there are any problems.
Emergency Kit
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail. An emergency supply kit, sat in your boot, will be a blessing should you need it. Consider what you might need should you breakdown in the cold and dark. We recommend that it contains a blanket, spare warm clothes, a torch (with spare batteries), a first aid kit, and a high visibility jacket—which will be invaluable should you have car troubles. We also recommend including non-perishable food and drink, so you’re fully prepared.
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When was the last time you gave your car a full check over? If you can’t quite remember, now is the perfect time to make sure everything is in order, giving you confidence on the road over the winter months.