With the weather testing us already so early on in winter, we would be wise to prepare to for more of the same. Driving in winter can throw up some challenging conditions – ice, snow, wind, rain, and hail. For stress-free motoring this winter, here are some top tips to keep your car in tip top shape:
Battery Care
When temperatures drop, it can often be more of a struggle for our car batteries to operate effectively. If you have a weak battery during the summer and don’t realise, this can soon translate into a dead one when the thermometer plummets. During the autumn, have a volt test to tell you how healthy your car battery is. If it isn’t looking good, replace it before the cold weather to avoid the risk of being stranded in less than comfortable conditions! For a Car Battery Supplier, visit http://www.grovesbatteries.co.uk/
Lighting Care
You’ll spend more time driving in the dark and unpleasant weather conditions during the winter months, so you’ll want peace of mind that all is well with your vehicle’s lights. They need to be at their maximum efficiency and brightness with no bulbs out. If it’s snowed and your lights are covered, don’t forget to clear them before heading out. You need to be as visible as possible in the dark winter days and nights.
Washer Fluid Care
During the winter, you won’t want your washer fluid level to get depleted. The ability to wash your windscreen is essential when you’re driving in less than favorable conditions. Mess and dirt from debris is more common during bad weather and if you can’t clear your screen to see where you’re going, you could be in trouble!
Tyre Care
We all need good grip in wet, snowy icy conditions but some areas, such as rural and remote places, will need winter tires especially, as temperatures drop further here. Winter tires are more able to stay flexible at lower temperatures, provide greater traction on stopping and turning in the cold, whether there is snow present or not.
Tyre pressure also needs careful maintenance during the winter months. Pressure can drop along with the temperature, losing as much as 1lb per square inch with every 10 degrees reduction in air temperature. Not topping up the tire pressure can exaggerate wear and tear and damage your tread. Low tire pressure affects the vehicle’s handling which is certainly not ideal in poor road conditions.
Fuel
Just as you don’t want to run out of washer fluid, you also don’t want to run out of fuel during the winter. The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded and waiting in freezing conditions. Another reason for avoiding running out of fuel is that a nearly full tank avoids any water gathering in there that could freeze inside your fuel pump. It will also keep you and the car warmer should you get stuck somewhere and need to leave the engine running.
