Find-a-Part - Articles - Winter Car Maintenance

Winter Car Maintenance - Your guide to keeping safe as the winter months set in

Article By Alan Hutt - 21 Sept 2009

As I write this the sun is shining, the birds are choking on the traffic which buzzes happily past our office, and the temperature is a balmy 18 degrees. Lovely. However, we're heading into Autumn now, the clocks go forward in one paychecks' time, which means the start of a return to dark mornings, high winds, rain, maybe ice and snow in later months - some of the factors you may have to contend with this winter. Ensure your car is in the best possible condition and prepare yourself for every eventuality.

Check your tyre pressures and condition. Tyres can lose a little pressure as it gets cold so ensure you check them and inflate them to the correct pressure, you will find this in your vehicles handbook. Ensure your tyre tread is a minimum of 1.6mm deep in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference of the tyre.

Top up your radiator with anti-freeze, this is an essential part of your cars protection, make sure the level is full and the mixture is the correct winter concentration. Anti-freeze is a toxic substance, so handle with care.

Check your windscreen wipers, perished or split wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Remember to keep your washer bottle topped up, you will use much more screen-wash than normal.

Check your oil level. Make sure you are using the correct grade of oil for your engine as cold weather can make it thicken.

Carry de-icer and a windscreen scraper. Make sure all windows are clear before you drive off. If it has snowed ensure all of your lights are free of snow.

Always demist the inside of your car thoroughly before setting off to ensure good all-round visibility. Make sure your heater is blowing hot before you start your journey to ensure your windows don't mist over again.

Ensure your breakdown service membership is up to date and ensure you have the number programmed into your mobile phone. It is recommended that you carry an in car phone charger, just in case.

It is advisable to carry a waterproof, high visibility jacket, warm clothes, gloves, boots and a torch in case you get stuck. If it is snowing put a shovel in your boot, it may come in handy.

If you do breakdown it is often easier for rescue services to find you if you call from a roadside phone rather than your mobile.

Carry a warning triangle in case you do breakdown, in Europe they are a legal requirement everywhere apart from the UK. The recommended distance to place a warning triangle from your car is 45 metres, except when on a motorway when you shouldn't bother as it's too dangerous to walk down the motorway to put it down. On some country lanes this distance may be beyond a bend, so use your discretion. If you have broken down, always switch on your hazard warning lights to warn oncoming traffic of your presence.

If you follow these tips you should have a safe driving experience this winter. Should you need any replacement used car parts, we'll be happy to help.