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Getting the most from your family car during winter means doing a little bit of preparation. Water on the road surface, freezing temperatures, and poor visibility can all expose defects in a car that can sometimes lead to disaster. Let’s run through some of the main things you’ll want to check to ensure that your car is ready for the challenges ahead.
Check your Battery Health
Low temperatures tend to inhibit the chemical reactions that take place inside your car’s battery. If the battery is on the verge of failure, winter weather might well push it over the edge – and it will tend to happen on a cold, frosty morning.
You can avoid this by proactively testing your car battery and, if necessary, replacing it.
Inspect Your Tyres for Winter Grip
Grip really matters during winter. The roads are going to be, if not icy, then often wet. If the tread on your tyres is not deep enough, they will be unable to distribute standing water away – which means you’ll be aquaplaning.
Your tread should ideally be well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving in extreme cold, you might consider winter tyres. These are made from a different kind of rubber, which is designed to remain springy and pliant, even when the temperature drops.
Thankfully there are plenty of local places to consider to get replacement tyres near you. All it takes, is a quick search to find appropriate places. For example, if you’re based in Northamptonshire, you might look for tyres in Daventry, or wherever you live in the UK!
Top Up Anti-Freeze and Wiper Fluid
Your engine will need enough anti-freeze to cope with the cold weather. Make sure that the reservoir isn’t leaking, too – since anti-freeze can pose a danger to local cats and other animals that might seek shelter beneath your car.
You might also top up your screenwash levels. A higher concentration will allow the fluid to avoid freezing in the pipes when the temperature drops.
Check Lights and Brakes
Visibility is something that’s often overlooked at this time of year, but it’s critical. When darkness descends at around four o’clock, you’ll need to be sure that you can see where you’re going. Check your lights before this happens.
Your brakes, too, are essential – especially since your stopping distance is going to be much longer at this time of year. Test your brakes, and get them replaced if your stopping distance isn’t all that it should be.
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