How to care for your car this winter
Winter weather comes with a multitude of changes… from shorter days to colder weather, caring for (and driving) your car needs a little more attention in winter.
So, to make sure your car’s ready to get you from A to B safely (because nobody wants to be broken down in the cold!). Let’s take a look at some simple steps to get things in order before the freeze.
Should you get your car serviced in winter?
What does a winter car service check for?
- Tyre pressure and condition.
- Oil and windscreen fluid.
- Lights and brake lights.
- Windscreen wipers.
How can you prepare your car for winter?
- Keep your car dry – moisture in the car (e.g. internal ice or condensation) can lead to rust and damage to electronics. So, clear out any wet clothes, used bottles and cups.
- Put on your heat and air conditioning system as soon as you get in, to clear up your windows - make sure your windows are fully cleared before driving off.
- Winter roadside essentials stored in your car could come in handy. Things like your breakdown details, warm clothing, something high-vis and a torch… just in case.
- Make sure your lights are clean – you’ll be driving in the dark more during winter, so your lights being in working order is essential for your vision and safety.
- Check your car battery – they work extra hard in winter due to more use of lights, heaters and wipers, so if your battery runs down, have it checked by a professional.
- Add antifreeze to your engine's cooling system to stop the coolant in your car from freezing. Check coolant levels and top up with antifreeze as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use winter screen wash – winter specific screen won’t freeze up and is great for clearing your windscreen of ice and grit. Anything to make those cold mornings a little easier!
- Check your tyres – cold and wet weather can damage your tyres. You should also make sure they are comfortably above the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm across the central ¾.
How do you defrost your car?
- Start the car and heat it up before you start scraping. Do not leave your car unattended when it’s running – this could invalidate your car insurance if theft or damage was to take place.
- Your car’s heater should clear up any condensation and will help thaw out any frost on your windows, making it easier for you to scrape away the excess.
- Turning on your headlights could also help, as the lights will heat up, meaning any ice or frost on them will begin to melt – this saves you some scraping and will help avoid damaged lights.
- Always make sure to fully clear your car’ roof, windows, mirrors and lights before you set off.
How to drive safely in winter
Safe driving is always essential, but due to the nature of winter weather and darker days, it’s even more important to stay safe on the roads during the chilly months.
- Ice, snow and even water can make driving a lot riskier, let alone in the dark So, always keep a distance of at least five seconds (or two car’s length) between you and the car in front.
- Potholes can fill with water and freeze over, meaning there are areas of invisible or ‘black’ ice. If you’re on a road prone to potholes, or an unfamiliar road, take extra care and go slow.
- Be extra cautious on tight bends or on roundabouts to avoid skidding on icy roads – your wheels could lock, so make sure to go slow.
- Always plan your route – try to avoid driving for too long in the dark where possible, and always check the weather forecast ahead of time. Make sure to stop for breaks, as driving in the dark can put a strain on your eyes and make you feel tired.
How to stop your car skidding:
If you feel like your car is skidding, it’s important not to panic or emergency brake – to keep control of the vehicle, you should keep driving and steering slowly to regain control.
- Avoid the brakes
- Turn the wheel
- Slow down
- Keep calm
So, all in all, it’s a good idea to prepare your car for winter weather, carve out time for defrosting, and take extra care when driving in the dark. In case you’re involved in a road incident, or your car breaks down, make sure your car insurance and breakdown cover are up to date and cover all your needs.