As the temperature drops and the leaves start to fall, it’s crucial to prepare your car for the harsh winter conditions. Winterising your vehicle can help ensure it remains reliable, safe, and efficient during the cold months.
Checking and replacing fluids
Proper fluid maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, especially during the colder months. Here’s a detailed look at how you can manage the essential fluids in your car during winter:
Engine oil
Cold weather can significantly affect the viscosity and flow of engine oil. Oil tends to thicken when it’s cold, which can make starting your engine harder and reduce its efficiency. To counteract this, consider switching to a winter-grade oil that is thinner and designed to perform better at low temperatures.
Check your car’s owner’s manual for guidance on the most suitable oil viscosity for winter conditions. Additionally, getting an oil change as winter approaches can help clear out any accumulated contaminants and moisture within the engine, ensuring smoother operation.
Coolant
The coolant, or antifreeze, is critical in preventing your engine from freezing and cracking in winter. The ideal mixture of coolant to water should be about 50/50, but this can vary depending on how cold your local climate is. Use a coolant tester to check the freezing point of the existing mixture and adjust it if necessary. Also, inspect the radiator and hoses for leaks or wear as these problems can become more troublesome in the cold. It’s a good idea to flush the radiator and replace the coolant every couple of years or according to your manufacturer’s schedule.
Windscreen wash
Visibility can become a major issue in the winter, with salt, mud, and ice constantly being kicked up onto the windscreen. Use a windscreen washer fluid with antifreeze properties to prevent it from freezing both in the reservoir and on your windscreen. This type of fluid is specifically designed to improve cleaning and to help reduce the build-up of ice and snow. Make sure the windscreen wash system is working properly, and the jets are correctly aimed to cover the entire area of the windscreen.
Brake fluid
Check the brake fluid levels and the moisture content because brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. In winter, this could lead to less effective braking when you need it most. Consider having the brake fluid tested and replaced if necessary. This ensures that your braking system remains effective and responsive, even in colder temperatures.
Transmission fluid
For vehicles with automatic transmissions, it’s also wise to check the transmission fluid. Cold weather can affect its performance, potentially leading to shifting issues. Make sure it’s at the right level and consider changing it if the fluid is dirty or has not been changed according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
Tyre considerations
Winter conditions put extra demands on your tyres, from colder temperatures affecting tyre pressure to icy roads reducing traction. Here’s how to ensure your tyres are up to the task:
Winter tyres
If you live in a region with severe winter weather, switching to winter tyres can provide significant advantages. Unlike regular tyres, winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures for better grip. They also have unique tread patterns designed to channel slush and expel snow, and increased siping for better traction on ice.
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure decreases in cold weather; for every 10 degrees drop in temperature, tyre pressure can decrease by 1-2 pounds per square inch (PSI). Check your tyre pressure monthly, ideally when the tyres are cold, to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Properly inflated tyres provide optimal contact with the road, essential for safety in winter driving conditions.
Snow chains and socks
For those in areas with frequent or heavy snowfall, snow chains or snow socks are invaluable for added traction. Snow chains can be attached to the tyres to provide grip on snow-covered roads, while snow socks, which cover the tyre in a textured fabric, offer a lighter, easier-to-install alternative. Both options can make a significant difference in your ability to drive safely on snowy or icy roads.
Spare tyre check
Finally, don’t forget to check your spare tyre. Make sure it is properly inflated and in good condition in case you need it. Winter roads can be rough on tires, and the last thing you want is to find out your spare is unusable when you need it most.
Battery maintenance
Car batteries are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, which can dramatically reduce their performance.
Battery check
Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge and producing adequate starting power. If your battery is more than five years old, it might be wise to replace it as a precaution.
Connections
Check the battery connections for corrosion and clean them if necessary. Tight, clean connections are crucial for reliable starts on cold mornings.
Visibility essentials
Maintaining clear visibility is vital during winter due to shorter days and potentially severe weather conditions.
Lights
Check all your lights – headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and indicators – to ensure they are functioning and clean. Visibility can be severely reduced during winter weather, and it’s crucial that other drivers can see you.
Windscreen and wipers
Replace any worn windscreen wipers to combat heavy rain, snow, and ice. Consider using windscreen wipers designed for winter use, which can prevent ice from building up on the blade. Ensure your heater and defroster are working efficiently to keep the windscreen clear.
Preparing for emergencies
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes items such as a blanket, a torch, a first-aid kit, a fully charged mobile phone battery, snacks, water, and a shovel. These items can be lifesavers if you get stranded in cold conditions.
Winter car care routine
Regularly wash and wax your car during the winter months to protect it from the corrosive effects of salt and grit used on icy roads. Pay particular attention to the undercarriage and wheel arches, where salt can accumulate and cause rust.
