How to Look After Your Car in Winter

Cold weather and slippery surfaces put your car under a lot of pressure, and in these conditions, the likelihood of your car breaking down increases dramatically.

Follow our tips to reduce the chances of vehicle problems this winter!

Tyres

It is vitally important that your tyres are in good condition in the winter because you may find yourself needing a strong grip if the roads are wet or icy. While the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, 2 or 3mm is more appropriate at this time of year for improved traction. You should also check tyre pressure, as low temperature can cause this to drop.

Battery

In winter, your car battery will be strained due to increased use of the lights and heater, and flat batteries are a common problem. If you notice yours starting to struggle and it is over four years old, it probably needs replacing.

Lights

With fog, rain, snow and darkness that winter brings limiting your visibility, it is crucial that you can see and be seen. Check all of your car lights regularly by walking around the vehicle.

Coolant

Coolant is made up of equal amounts of water and antifreeze and this mixture prevents your engine from overheating. When the temperature drops, it becomes increasingly important that the coolant contains enough antifreeze to prevent it from turning to ice.

Screen Wash

Another thing that you need to keep topped up is your screen wash. In winter, there is more dirt and salt on the roads, so it is important that your wipers are not smearing grime across your windscreen which could obscure your view.

Oil

Oil is something that drivers tend to forget to check. Low oil levels can cause breakdown or damage your engine. Check your vehicle manual to find out the oil type you need to use when topping up.