Now that the weather is getting colder it means that we may need to give our cars a little TLC. Why not take some time to check your car is ready and prepared for the cold winter ahead?
Here are a few easy steps that may save you a headache or even an expensive breakdown and repair. If you decide to do it yourself or have a mechanic do it, we recommend the following to help make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter.
Battery – All connections on the battery should be tight, clean and corrosion-free. Batteries can be seriously affected by cold weather, so we recommend checking the battery and the charging system. It is also advised to replace batteries that are more than three years old.
Wiper Blades & Anti-Freeze – Wipers are a very important part of a car and essential for visibility on a rainy day. Torn or cracked wiper blades should be replaced. It is recommended that wiper blades are changed every six months. Also, when changing the blades the level of anti-freeze in the car should be checked. This ensures the car cooling system doesn’t freeze on the frosty mornings in winter.
Tyres – All tyres should be checked including tread depth and tyre pressure. If there is uneven wear this may indicate the need for wheel alignment. Tyres should also be checked for bald spots and bulges. If snow and ice is an issue you may consider special tyres with added grip. Tyre pressure should be checked weekly during winter as a drop in temperature can reduce tyre pressure.
Brakes – The brake system of the vehicle should be checked – including drums, brake linings and rotors. Brakes are a critical part of car safety and especially important if you are driving on icy or even snow covered roads!
“Getting your car prepared for winter when temperatures are still mild is great preparation and a pro-active approach to car maintenance and ensuring safety when the harsh winter hits!” Car Care – WeBuyAnyVehicle.ie