Winter is coming, huh? And you better be prepared for it. You and your car. Because getting from point A to point B can become a problem if you don’t give your car enough care. In this article, we are going to share some tips on how to prepare a car for winter. Let’s get it started!
How to prepare car for freezing weather: Key tips
Make sure to follow these tips and you will have fewer problems with your car during cold weather.
1. Don’t leave anything important inside your car
It doesn’t mean you can overlook this rule in summer and leave important stuff inside your car. And here we are not talking only about money and expensive things. Imagine a situation when your ID, security number, or driver’s license is inside your car and you simply can’t unlock it because it’s too cold or your car is covered with ice. Sounds like a stressful situation, isn’t it? However, you can easily avoid such things by using a quick scanner.
With a smartphone scanner app, you can keep all your id docs on your mobile phone. A doc scanner lets you share the files in suitable formats. Make an app scan in just a few seconds on your mobile phone and keep all the important documents there.
2. Check your car beforehand
While the winter can cause many issues for cars, regular service and maintenance inspections can prevent up to half of them.
Utilize the free or cheap winter vehicle inspections that some garages are offering as well. A mechanic will normally check your tires, motor, coolant and anti-freeze, windscreen wipers, lights, and oil as part of a winter vehicle inspection.
3. Make sure your lights are clean
Check the cleanliness of the back reflectors, indicators, and all lighting. You should also keep an eye on your lights throughout the year because they need to be maintained regularly for driving safely and because it’s the law to do so.
But in poor weather, it’s even more crucial to check them frequently, just like with your tires. Assure there are no blown bulbs or broken lenses. Additionally, remember to check the indicators, fog lights, and full-beam headlights.
4. Check your wipers and windscreen wash
Verify that the wipers are in fine condition, free of holes or tears, and capable of cleaning your windscreen effectively. You can occasionally wipe them down with a fresh cloth. However, Auto Windscreens advises against pulling wiper blades from a frozen window or turning them on when the screen is covered in ice since the rubber could tear.
You’ll also need a lot of washer fluid because the volume of spray striking your windscreen during the winter months when the roads are wet, muddy, or salty is increased. Not only is it prohibited, but it’s also risky to drive without fluid in the screen washer container.
5. Get ready for long trips
Check the weather forecasts, travel info, and the safest routes before beginning a longer journey than you usually travel. Spend more time traveling to prevent rushing. And if circumstances are bleak and you are not required to travel, stay put. Make sure your car has antifreeze and a winter car kit, and use a scrape and de-icer to remove snow and ice from all windows.
6. Check your battery
The most common reason for car failures is a dead or damaged battery, and cold, wet, and icy weather increases the likelihood of battery failure.
If at all possible, aim to replace your car’s battery every three years, or sooner if it’s giving you trouble in the cold. The engine is turning over more slowly than normal when you start it is one of the warning indicators of battery failure, according to Green Flag. Additionally, while you’re driving, the red battery light on the instrument display can flicker, or it might take longer than usual for it to turn off once you start the engine.
7. Pay attention to your brakes
Good condition of your brakes is essential when it comes to winter car maintenance. Particularly in the winter, you need to keep your brakes in excellent condition.
Get them checked if they squeak, make other noises, or produce strange feelings. Set off slowly if you’re taking your car out in a few days of storage in the cold in case the brakes, calipers, or discs have frozen.
The ending note on winter automotive tips
Check the oil and keep at least a third of a tank of petrol on hand in case of a sudden delay. Furthermore, pay attention to the dashboard warning lights; they are there for a reason. Any garage ought to be able to assist you if you do not feel comfortable performing these inspections.
Lastly, pay attention to the road’s condition while you drive. If you don’t, you could endanger both yourself and other drivers on the road. You can have problems filing a claim on your auto insurance if you cause an accident while driving recklessly.