Protect your car in winter

Winter is almost upon us, so here are some tips to make sure your car is fully prepared for difficult driving conditions.

It’s fair to say that the weather has been a tad temperamental of late. Recently, many of us have witnessed gale-force winds and lashings of rain — a sign that winter is well and truly on its way. And after last year’s snow escapades, anything could be around the corner. So prepare yourself to protect your car in winter.

Before the really cold weather sets in, it’s a good idea to book your car in for a winter service to find out whether there are any problems. That way, if there are any issues, you can get them fixed quickly and you’ll be all set for the winter. After all, prevention is better than cure!

Although your tyres will be checked as part of your car’s annual MOT, it’s a good idea to check them again yourself in the winter months. If there’s any sign of excessive wear and tear on the treads, the tyres should be replaced — you don’t want to get caught out on slippery roads. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but if it’s likely to be icy or wet, you should make sure you have at least 3mm of tread depth.

It’s also important to check the tyre pressure on a regular basis — preferably once a week. Look in the vehicle handbook, or consult your garage or tyre dealer to find out the recommended tyre pressure.

You can pick up a pack of analogue tyre pressure and tread depth gauges from an authorised dealer.

During the colder months you’re likely to use your lights and heating far more, which can drain the battery. So make sure you keep your battery fully charged. You could even consider buying a set of jump leads to keep in the car in case of an emergency. It’s also worth checking to make sure all the connections to your battery are secure and that there’s no corrosion on the battery. Most batteries last for around two to four years, according to DirectLine, so if you’re worried, take your car to a mechanic and ask them to test the battery. If you’re in any doubt, it’s worth replacing it.

You don’t want your radiator to break down, so make sure you check and replace the coolant in the radiator.

Always ensure you have the correct amount of oil in the engine, as well as sufficient petrol for journey. It’s always best to be on the safe side and allow for extra petrol usage during bad weather as you’re unlikely to be travelling at a fuel efficient speed. And if you want a few tips on how to check oil levels, you can find them here.

Windscreen wipers can wear down so it’s important to check the blades on a regular basis.