When the temperatures drop for winter, they can have a significant impact on a variety of things, but particularly cause some problems for your car. Plummeting temperatures and some pretty miserable weather can mean that breakdowns are going to be more likely, and there are generally more hazards to be looking out for. So before the winter weather starts to get even colder and winter takes hold, here are some top tips for looking after your car in winter, and the maintenance that you will need to be doing to make sure your car sees you through to spring.
Get a car service
If you have a car that is due to have a service, then getting it done sooner rather than later is going to make a big difference as winter approaches. The cold can cause some problems for cars, and half of the issues that come up tend to be preventable if you have some regular maintenance checks on your vehicle. There also tends to be quite a few offers at this time of year, like free winter checks or discounted services. So that is worth checking as well.
Check the battery
For your car in winter, checking the battery of the car should be one of the first things that you need to look at. During winter months, the battery of the car can suffer from the colder temperatures, as well as suffering from more use, like lights being used more, heaters being used more, and so on; it puts it under some extra strain. If you have been having problems with your car, then you should check the battery as the first point of call.
Prepare inside
There are a few essentials that are needed in the car for when winter comes along. Some things are a good idea to get, like all-weather floor mats, but having some ice scrapers, snow chains, blankets, and a first aid kit is important too. The statistics show that you are more likely to break down in winter, so you need to think about being prepared just in case that happens to you. You don’t want to get caught out and get stuck in a snowstorm without some things to help you. So preparing indoors is as essential as preparing outdoors.
Check the condition of your tires
A car’s tires are going to be something that will improve the safety of the vehicle. The impact the steering of the vehicle and the braking of the car, so it is essential, especially when the weather can be worse and icy, to check the wear and tear on the tires. You should also check the tire pressure and tread depth too. When it is icy, then it is best to have more tread on a tire. You could also look at changing the tires from summer tires to some winter tires, as these can help to have more grip when there is a lot of snow and ice.
