Prepare Your Car for the Winter – Tips for Safe Driving
Without the right preparation, the winter weather can damage your car. This guide will assist you in preparing your vehicle for the winter’s harsh elements. In turn, giving you the confidence to drive during the colder months.
Coolant and Antifreeze
You must keep your coolant and antifreeze levels topped up. Antifreeze prevents the coolant’s water from freezing, so maintaining correct levels is important for your car’s health.
Vehicle Battery
In winter, even a fully charged battery can weaken by approximately 35%. A well-maintained battery can reduce the likelihood of faults while driving in snowy conditions. Regular checks for any damage are key to ensuring safety, ideally, this should be carried out before the winter sets in.
Lights
During the winter, you’ll use your lights more frequently. Headlights, brake lights, and indicators should be regularly inspected to ensure that they are in good working condition, for the safety of you and other road users.
Tyres
Tyres should be inspected every few weeks during winter to prevent damage. During the winter period, temperature fluctuations can cause the rubber to expand, leading to splitting or changes in tyre pressure. Think about opting for winter tyres, which are suitable for driving on snow and ice.
Brakes
Brakes should be checked by an expert, more so during the winter months. Brakes are crucial due to the increased stopping distance on icy roads. If your vehicle pulls to one side, or the brakes feel spongy or have strange noises coming from them, have them inspected immediately.
Items to keep in your vehicle during the winter months
- Ice scraper
- De-icer
- Shovel
- Jump leads
- Torch
- Phone charger
Before going on long journeys check each part of your vehicle, and prepare your car for the frost to ensure your safety.
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