With the clocks going back and the weather changing, many motorists will be starting to worry about driving in the winter months. This is a season that can be difficult, stressful and dangerous to drive in and it is vital that you ensure that your car is in a good condition heading into the winter months. So, what can you do to look after your car in winter?
Check Oil & Fuel Levels
Maintaining the correct oil level is hugely important for keeping the engine working properly and you certainly do not want to encounter any engine trouble on the roads in winter. Despite the importance of checking the engine oil, around a third of UK motorists never check the engine oil and this is dangerous. Additionally, you always want to check that you have enough fuel for your trip so that you do not run the risk of running out and finding yourself stranded in winter.
Keep Your Lights Clean
Your lights become hugely important in the winter months, especially when the clocks go back. Winter is also a time of the year when there is a lot of debris that can affect your lights, which is why you should get into the habit of giving your lights a quick wipe-down before setting off. This will help to increase visibility and make driving in the dark safer for all.
Test Your Battery
The cold weather can take its toll on your battery and battery trouble is hugely common at this time of the year. To prevent this, you will want to test your battery to ensure that it is in good health heading into the colder months of the year. A load tester will be an effective way to do this and will tell you if you need to replace the battery or not.
Assess Your Tyres
Tyres are another area that requires attention because the wet conditions can make driving dangerous if your tyres are not in good shape. You should check the tyre pressure and top up if needed, check the tyre tread depth (you should replace any tires below 3mm) and inspect the tyres for signs of damage. Replace any tyres with a reputable brand like Michelin tyres for peace of mind.
Top Up Antifreeze
Finally, you want to make sure that your antifreeze is topped up to the recommended level. This is an essential fluid that regulates the temperature of the engine and will prevent it from becoming too cold during the winter months.
These are a few maintenance tasks that you should carry out to ensure that your car is in a good condition for the winter months. It can be a tough time for motorists, but making sure that your car is in good condition should prevent issues from arising.
