It’s winter, it’s dark and cold, roads will be hazardous, and you need to be confident that your vehicle is safe and in excellent working order. Is your vehicle winter-ready?
Every year, vehicle accidents occur during bad weather, including snow, sleet or ice. It is vital that you understand why your vehicle needs to be maintained and checked to a high standard. Even if you feel as though your car is running perfectly fine, a winter check is a great idea to protect yourself and other road users.
Check oil levels, fluids and antifreeze
Breakdowns are commonly related to issues with a vehicle’s cooling system. A Winter Check will ensure the cooling system in your vehicle is optimal and your antifreeze will be checked and refilled if necessary.
Antifreeze is added to the water in a vehicle’s radiator to prevent it from seizing up and causing any unwanted issues. Frozen water expands and can split engine parts causing leaks and reducing cooling efficiency. A winter vehicle check will ensure that fluids are at the correct levels and minimise the risk of a breakdown.
Check all lights are in fully working order
Turn your car on and switch on the headlights. Walk around to the front of the vehicle and make sure the lights are working. Both should be bright. To ensure your lights are in the best working condition, wait until dark and park on an even surface with your vehicle facing a wall. Turn on your headlights and inspect the light they give off.
Check your battery is fully charged
Is your car slow to start? Does the engine sound laboured when you turn the ignition? Has the red battery warning light appeared on your dashboard when out driving? These little signs can all point towards a problem with your battery.
Make sure tyres are sufficiently inflated and have good tread
Fit winter tyres if required. You should check your car’s tyre pressure. Cold temperatures can cause your tyre pressure to drop, so you can help prevent this by making sure your tyres are at the manufacturer’s recommend level before bad weather arrives. Check your vehicle handbook.
Be Prepared
Take spare warm clothes and something to drink, Make sure you have enough fuel for a journey and plan your journey in advance, considering weather forecast and traffic conditions for the time of day. Make sure your phone is charged and take a phone charger. Take out relevant breakdown cover and road side assistance
Further Information
For more information see www.theaa.com or www.rac.co.uk or contact your local garage.
If you are looking to buy or part exchange your current car, give us a call to discuss the finance options for it. Whether you have a great, good, bad or poor credit rating or score, we can help you finance the right car.
As subprime motor finance specialists, you can apply for finance on our website or simply contact us on 01942 466 035.
