The Winter Maintenance Checklist
With winter on its way, it's a good time to make sure that your car is maintained and in good condition. Here are a few things to double check before the cold snap really hits!
Battery
Batteries tend to take a bit of a hammering in the winter – headlights are on more frequently, heaters and blowers are going full pelt and the cold itself can have a negative effect on an already struggling battery. Get your battery checked and replaced if needed.
Lights
Bulbs should be checked regularly but with the dark nights coming in thick and fast, the last thing you want is to be driving anywhere with a light out. Check your brake lights, headlights, fog lights and indicators for peace of mind.
Windscreen wipers
Windscreen wipers are your allies, particularly with the rain and snow! Make sure yours don’t have any cracks in the rubber, aren’t squeaking or dragging across the windscreen - and give your windscreen a good clean, both inside and out.
Fluids
Anti-freeze, engine coolant, screen wash, engine oil and power steering fluid all need checking and topped up if low. When the weather gets worse, you want to be sure that you are fully stocked so that your car can run as smoothly as possible. If you're going out, have at least a quarter of a tank of fuel, in case of delays.
Tyres
Your tyres need to be in tip top condition for the winter as the conditions can become a lot more challenging. Inspect your tyres at least every two weeks, checking for cracks, bulges and damage. Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up and of course the tread is of the legal limit. For places that experience frequent snow fall during the winter months, definitely consider snow tyres or even snow chains.
Supplies
Because the key is preparation, it is advised that you keep a bit of a winter kit in your car at all times which includes things like de-icer, a scraper, a torch, a foldable shovel, warm clothes, a blanket, water, non-perishables and so on. If you get stranded in extreme weather, you’ll be glad that you thought ahead!
Of course, you can do much of this yourself - or for just £29.99 (incl. VAT) you can book a Winter Health Check which includes:
- A comprehensive inspection of your car including tyres, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, exhaust, battery and fluid levels;
- Free fluid replenishment up to 0.5L of oil, coolant, washer fluid and power steering fluid;
- Free Winter Safety pack including 300ml de-icer, 250ml screen wash, micro-fibre de-mist pad, branded first aid kit, ice scraper, 1x pack screen wipes, wind up dynamo torch, foil blanket and a pack of hand warmers.