If you’ve been reading the blog posts here recently, you’ll hopefully have prepared your car for winter. You’re probably right in the midst of winter now and ideally your car hasn’t given you any issues thus far. To increase the chances you’ll encounter no winter car problems over the next few months, take a couple hours and give your car a proper check over.
Most of the tips below can be done on your own. If you can afford to take it to for a professional service however, this is definitely the best way to ensure your car keeps you safe.
Quick Tips To Get You Started
Headlights: are they all working, front and rear. Have someone else verify the lights are indeed working, assumptions don’t end well.
Battery: your car battery is working it’s hardest during winter. The battery posts and contacts terminals should be in good condition. If you see any corrosion forming on the battery, there’s not much chance of saving it, get a replacement right away.
Are Your Windscreen Wipers Doing Their Job Properly?
If your winter involves lots of rainy days, you need quality windscreen wipers to ensure you can see well through your windshield. Windscreen wipers are cheap to replace so if you see the current ones looking damaged or they’re leaving behind marks, replace them yourself. There are also blades better suited to winter, keep an eye out for them.
Your Car Fluid Levels Need To Be Spot On During Winter
A quick check of your oil levels with your dipstick to start with, followed by checking the windshield wiper fluid levels. Your radiator doesn’t have much fun during winter so make sure to use about a 50% antifreeze to water ratio.
If you aren’t confident with cars, get the team at your local garage to take a quick look next time you fill up the petrol tank. This only takes a few seconds so they shouldn’t charge you.
Is Your Winter Tire Strategy A Winner?
If you last checked your cars tire pressure a few months ago in the warmer weather, get to the service station right away as tire pressure drops as the temperature drops. Deflated tires will alter the handling of your vehicle, not something you want to catch you unexpectedly.
If you changed the tires over to winter tires, did you get your lug nuts re torqued? The may have inadvertently loosened creating a potential major safety hazard.
A General Tip About Fuel Levels In Your Gas Tank
Keeping your tank at least half full at all times will help prevent condensation forming on the exposed part of the tank. The moisture of which could then get into the fuel lines making you late for your next trip.
Winter can be a long few months for both you and your car, with a little bit of attention (and a deep clean), you’ll get through it all.