As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare not just yourself, but also make your car winter ready. ‘Winter is coming’ may ring familiar to many as a catchphrase from the popular television series Game of Thrones, but it also serves as a timely reminder for car owners. The adverse weather conditions during winter can pose real challenges to vehicles and drivers alike especially while driving on icy roads.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your car is well-prepared to withstand the icy, snowy, and often treacherous roads that winter inevitably brings.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ways to get your car ready for winter, so you can keep moving safely and smoothly on the roads.
Winter driving and worn tyres create a particularly dangerous combination that could lead to slip-and-slide accidents. To prevent such mishaps, investing in a set of snow tyres is highly advisable.
Snow tyres are specifically designed with a rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures, offering superior grip and better traction on snowy and icy roads. If you’re due for a change of tyres, ensure to opt for snow tyres before winter sets in.
Even if you already have a pair of snow tyres or all-season tyres, it is essential to check the tyre tread depth. It is a crucial factor in determining your vehicle’s ability to grip the road surface.
The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, as mandated by law. However, tyre and safety experts often dispute this measurement, advising a more prudent minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement to ensure optimal safety during wintry conditions.
To check the depth of your tread, you can use an inexpensive tyre tread depth gauge. This simple tool can help you ensure that your tyres are in optimal condition to face the winter roads.
Imagine being stranded on a cold, snowy night due to a dead car battery. It’s a situation that nobody wants to find themselves in. Car batteries last approximately three years, or 36 months, but harsh winter weather can often shorten this lifespan. Therefore, it’s vital to routinely check your battery, especially as winter approaches.
Signs that your battery might need to be replaced include:
You can also determine the condition of your battery with a computerised battery tester. This device measures the battery’s voltage, charge, and cold-cranking amps (CCA), giving you a better idea of its health. If the results show that your battery is nearing the end of its life, it’s best to replace it before winter arrives.
When investing in a battery tester, ensure it’s compatible with conventional lead-acid batteries, as well as gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) styles. This versatility will allow you to use the same tester on different types of batteries, including those in other vehicles or equipment.
Alternatively, you can also seek the assistance of a mechanic to have your battery checked. Regular battery checks help ensure your car is ready to face the winter roads.
In regions where temperatures dip significantly below freezing, the use of antifreeze is not just recommended, but essential.
Antifreeze, also commonly known as engine coolant, prevents the water in your car’s radiator from freezing in harsh weather conditions. Without it, the water could freeze, expand, and potentially cause substantial damage to your engine block.
Besides offering protection against freezing, antifreeze also elevates the boiling point of engine coolant, preventing overheating even under severe conditions. Thus, the application of a high-quality antifreeze in your car’s cooling system is a critical preventive measure that can help you avoid costly repairs in the long run.
Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific guidelines on the type and quantity of antifreeze to use.
Wet and icy conditions can severely impact the efficiency of your braking system. When roads are slick, stopping distances can increase substantially, making effective brakes essential for safe driving. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your brakes are in prime working order during colder months.
The braking system, including the brake pads, discs, and fluids, should be thoroughly inspected and serviced if necessary. Worn-out brake pads or unbalanced brake fluid can lead to decreased performance, potentially endangering the vehicle’s occupants and other road users.
It is advised to have these checks carried out by a professional to ensure your brakes are winter-ready.
During winter, shorter daylight hours and weather conditions such as fog, mist, or snow can significantly reduce road visibility. Therefore, ensuring that your vehicle’s lights are functioning optimally is of paramount importance for both your safety and that of other road users. The headlamps, tail lamps, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights should all be checked carefully for proper operation and brightness.
Remember, it’s not just about your vehicle being able to see – it’s also about being seen by others.
To this end, consider having your lights professionally aligned for optimum performance. Additionally, always replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly and clean your lights regularly for maximum brightness.
Also Read: The Essential Car Service Guide – What You Need to Know!
Winter weather can cause a multitude of issues for your vehicle, including problems with your window tracks and door locks. Freezing water has the potential to infiltrate window tracks, creating a drag when you’re attempting to open the window. This drag can lead to damage to the window regulator cables, which can result in a costly repair.
To prevent this, consider lubricating the window tracks with spray silicone or a dry Teflon spray lubricant.
Lower the window, spray the lubricant directly into the front and back window track, and apply it generously until it drips down the entire length of the track.
Then, operate the window through several open and close cycles to distribute the lube throughout the track. It’s crucial to remove any lubricant that lands on the glass using a glass cleaner and a paper towel.
Even if you have remote keyless entry and don’t frequently use your door and trunk locks, it’s essential not to neglect them. If you fail to keep these lock cylinders lubricated, they can corrode over time, making it impossible to use your key.
A graphite lock lubricant in the keyway can be effective, as long as it’s not overapplied.
Alternatively, you can use a dry Teflon spray lube.
To use this, shake the spray can to distribute the Teflon, then spray the liquid into the lock cylinder. The solvent will dissolve any sticky parts, and once it evaporates, the remaining Teflon particles will coat the internal lock parts, allowing the lock to operate smoothly.
Standard wiper blades can become clogged with snow, resulting in streaking or incomplete coverage of the windscreen, compromising visibility and posing a risk to safe driving.
Winter wiper blades mitigate this issue by incorporating an all-encompassing rubber boot that prevents the build-up of ice and snow.
This innovative design allows for optimal visibility, significantly enhancing driving safety in adverse weather conditions. It’s recommended to replace your regular wiper blades with winter versions at the onset of the season, storing the former for reuse once spring returns.
Equipping your vehicle with a winter survival kit is an indispensable safety measure in preparing for unexpected breakdowns or emergencies during the harsh winter months. The kit should be comprehensive, ensuring your well-being and enabling you to tackle minor car troubles until help arrives.
Here’s a list of essential items to include in your winter car kit:
Remember, this list is not exhaustive and should be customised according to personal needs and local weather conditions.
The weather, particularly during winter, can be unpredictable and may dramatically impact road conditions. Rain, snow, fog, and ice can make driving treacherous, increasing the risk of breakdowns or accidents. A glance at the forecast can provide valuable insights into what to expect and allow you to plan accordingly.
You might decide to postpone your trip, select a safer route, or adequately equip your vehicle to handle the expected conditions.
In essence, staying abreast of the weather forecast is a simple step in ensuring your safety and the smooth progression of your journey.
Joining a roadside assistance scheme is a wise investment for any motorist. It’s essentially a service provided by car brands and insurance companies to help if you have a breakdown whilst driving.
Whether you have a flat tyre, a dead battery, or you’ve misplaced your keys, a roadside assistance scheme provides professional help, usually 24/7, to get you back on the road as swiftly as possible.
Deciding whether to join such a scheme depends on your needs and circumstances. If you often drive long distances, or if your vehicle is older and more prone to mechanical issues, a roadside assistance scheme could provide a valuable safety net.
On the other hand, if you seldom drive or you have a new car with a comprehensive warranty, you might choose to forgo it. Whatever your situation, consider the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is just a phone call away if your journey takes an unexpected turn.
As we wrap up, we hope these tips have given you a solid starting point to get your car ready for the winter. By taking the proactive measures mentioned above, you’ll be better prepared for whatever winter throws at you.
It’s all about ensuring safety, alleviating potential stress, and making your winter journeys as smooth as possible.
Remember, a little preparation now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Stay safe and happy winter driving!
A car is a complex assembly of more than 30,000 parts. It is basically a maze of components, each with its own unique function. So, covering all car anatomy in a single blog post is impossible. What we’ll do today is try to understand the primary parts of a car you must recognise as a […]
Despite the increasing number of average speed cameras, many people still misunderstand how they operate. This has led to confusion and frustration among motorists who believe they’ve been unfairly fined. Let’s dispel these 8 myths about how do average speed cameras work. 1. Single Average Speed Camera Can Catch You Many believe that […]
Selling your car in the UK can involve some confusion, especially when it comes to the change of ownership. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process in 8 simple steps, whether you’re selling privately, to a dealer through Exchange My Car, or even scrapping your car. We’ll also cover the details of online […]
If you’re planning on driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, or Tyneside, you might need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to avoid fees and fines. But what is a Certificate of Conformity? What does it show? How do you obtain a duplicate […]
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your driveway, the process of car selling requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many sellers make the same old common mistakes when selling a car. This can lead to lost time and diminished profits. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 mistakes that car sellers […]
The national speed limit on a single-carriageway road, also known as a rural or country road, is between 50 and 60 mph for different types of vehicles. However, 60 mph is the highest you can go on a single road in any type of vehicle. Despite a lower speed limit than dual carriageway roads and […]
25% of all engine failures are attributed to negligence in changing engine coolant. Similarly, 95% of radiators fail due to old or contaminated coolant. This simple yet effective mixture of glycol and water is an integral fluid used to cool any internal combustion engine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your engine […]
According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver. As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years. But […]
A faulty alternator can damage other electrical components of your car. Plus, it’s a safety hazard as a failing alternator can dim the headlights of your car, leading to compromised visibility. Let’s discover the common signs of a faulty alternator and alternator replacement cost in this blog post. Along with that, we’ll also discuss why […]
The cost to replace a head gasket in the UK is between £284 and £2,946 with an average of £585. It’s one of the most expensive replacements and the most interesting one as well. The seal for the head gasket costs less than £100 in most cases. However, it is a labour-intensive replacement. So, the […]
A recent survey by Kwik Fit found that battery failure is the most common cause of car breakdown in the UK. More than 17% of all issues faced by car owners were battery-related. However, only 4% of them were worried about battery failure. So, by understanding how long do car batteries last, you can avoid […]
The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline. If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until […]
Euro NCAP testing has saved more than 78,000 lives since its inception in 1997. Plus, its ratings have a huge impact on the sales and popularity of cars sold in the UK. But what do these ratings mean? And do they really carry weight? Plus, how these rating are going to shape a future with […]
AWD vs RWD vs FWD vs 4WD: the choice of transmission in your car can influence everything from fuel efficiency, driving experience, and handling to overall safety. It can be difficult to choose between these types of transmissions because most differences are so subtle that they are very hard to notice. In this guide, we’ll […]
With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice. Let’s get started! What […]
More than 70% of people in the UK still drive a manual car. Similarly, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stats show that more people take their test in manual cars. So, if you’re new to manual transmissions or are usually used to driving an automatic car, don’t worry. Our guide offers a side-by-side comparison […]
The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car. While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as […]
People have some big misconceptions when it comes to a Motability car! One is that Motability cars have specific markings; the other is that all adapted cars are potentially leased through the Motability scheme. While these things might be true, they are not foolproof methods to suggest that a car is part of the Motability […]
Suzuki has long boasted a stellar reputation for reliability, consistently topping reliability indices and surveys. But are Suzuki cars reliable enough? How often do Suzuki cars actually break down? And which Suzuki models are the most dependable? You’ve come to the right place if these questions have crossed your mind. This blog post will answer […]
Cars in the UK need to pay an annual Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, in order to legally circulate on the public road. The value of the fee depends on the car’s age, fuel type, tailpipe CO2 emissions, and engine capacity, with older or more polluting models typically being more […]