As we transition into those colder, darker months—where you leave the house in the dark and return home in the dark—it's easy to focus on keeping yourself warm with the heating on and your winter coat ready. But is your car prepared for winter? Taking a few precautionary steps now could save you time, money, and stress in the long run!
Lights
Check Your Lights: Stay Safe and Visible.
After a long summer, it's easy to overlook your vehicle's lights, but it's crucial to make sure they’re all working. Grab a friend to help you inspect the lights around your car. Start with the headlights, then check the taillights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, and fog lights. Don’t forget the number plate lights either—they’re just as important!
Tyres
Check Your Tread Depth
A quick and easy way to ensure your tyres meet the legal tread depth requirement of 1.6mm is by using a 20p coin. Simply insert the coin into the tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is hidden, your tread is above the legal limit. Need help? YouTube has great tutorials that can guide you step-by-step.
Monitor Your Tyre Pressure
Correct tyre pressure is crucial for safety, especially during winter. Many websites and vehicle manuals provide the recommended tyre pressures based on your car's make and model. Ensure you're checking regularly for optimal performance.
Fluids
Oil Check
Keeping an eye on your oil level is essential for a healthy engine. Here's how to check it:
- Locate the Dipstick: Pull the dipstick from the engine bay and wipe it clean with kitchen paper or blue roll.
- Check the Level: Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check where the oil level sits on the guide—it should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
If you need help, YouTube tutorials or a friend's assistance can be helpful. If you're still unsure, visit your garage. If you need to top up the oil, make sure to use the correct type, and avoid overfilling!
Don’t want to do it yourself?
You can always take your car to a garage. They’ll charge you to change the oil, and they might recommend replacing the oil filter, which is a good idea for maintaining your car’s performance.
Fuel
As winter approaches, it’s crucial to keep your fuel tank topped up. Running out of fuel is bad enough, but in cold, wet weather, it could make an already difficult situation even worse. Avoid the risk—stay prepared and keep your tank healthy!
Screen Wash
Winter driving means your windscreen is likely to get dirty quickly due to grit and salt on the roads. Don't let yourself get caught without screen wash! Make sure to keep it topped up and use a winter-grade screen wash to prevent it from freezing and to keep your view clear.
Water
It’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of water in your car. If you break down, staying hydrated is essential. You can also use water as a temporary solution if you run out of screen wash or to clean dirt off your number plate.
Other Essentials
In addition to the points above, consider keeping a warm coat, snacks, and a fully charged phone in your car. You never know when you might need them!
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your car is ready for the challenges of winter driving. Stay safe out there!
