If you’re no stranger to our blog, you will know that we often pass on information about safe driving. However, the winter months require more care than you might think, and it’s not just how you drive! Your car will also need some “tender loving care” as well in order for you to avoid breaking down.
If you’re properly insured (and you should be), there will always be a professional waiting to help you if you do happen to breakdown but it’s still something that can mess up your entire day. So, below you will find some handy tips that will help you prepare for those cold winter months ahead.
Electrics and Your Battery
During winter, you will place a higher demand on the electrics in your car. Think about it? You use your wipers more often, the heating will be on, you’ll use your lights more, plus there will be times when you want to de-mist your windows.
This all puts pressure not just on items like wipers, but your battery as well. If you’re a new driver, you should know that batteries will not usually last more than five years and will need replacing. If you’re not sure how old your battery is, ask the professionals. Replacing your battery ahead of time could save you having to call for roadside assistance, taking time out of your day that could be used better elsewhere.
In order to help conserve your battery make sure you don’t leave your car idling for too long (this also saves petrol). Once your windows are free of mist turn the de-mister off, and if you’re not likely to use your car for a couple of days just give it quick burst now and then so the battery doesn’t go flat.
Vision
This is something that’s affected far more than any other time of year so try following the tips below:
- Make sure all your windows and mirrors are free from ice, snow and dirt so you get a clear view of what’s going on around you. If you have snow on the roof of your car, don’t drive off without removing it first. You could end up with a pile landing on your windscreen which will not only surprise you, but might cause an accident as well!
- Keep your windscreen washer fluid topped up and make sure you use a detergent that’s made for vehicles, and definitely DO NOT use antifreeze because this will damage your paintwork.
- In the case of antifreeze, you may need to add this to your water cooling system and if you’re not sure ask a professional.
- The sun sits very low in the sky during winter so it’s a good idea to make sure you have a set of sunglasses in your car, and use the sunshield as well (its there for a reason)!
Finally
As long as you ensure you pay more attention to the internal parts of your car that can breakdown during cold weather, keep your vehicle clean and take it slowly you shouldn’t have a problem with driving at this time of year.
