How to Prevent Car Breakdowns and Accidents This Winter

With cold weather just around the corner, motor driver They are urged to keep their vehicles ready for the challenging conditions ahead.

In winter the temperatures are low, the nights get longer and the roads get filled with dirt, mud, salt and snow, all these things can seriously affect the weather. carPerformance and longevity.

Vehicle Components are particularly sensitive to these harsh elements, leading to early corrosion, breakage or even accidents.

Fortunately, a series of simple, preventative checks can help ensure your car is winter ready, making your journey safer.

What to do here.

windscreen and wipers

First, check the status of windscreenDuring the summer, the glass may have been exposed to stones, rocks, and dirt bouncing off the screen, which can cause chips. During the cold winter months, those chips can quickly turn into something bigger, like a crack.

Not only is this dangerous, as it can impair your forward visibility, it will also mean your vehicle will become unroadworthy and fail an MOT.

Also, inspect the condition of the wiper blades, because during the winter they will be used much more often, rain, salt, mud and snow will weaken the rubber over time. Inspect the wiper rubbers for cracks, wear and tear and make sure they are clearing the windscreen effectively. If they don’t, or they are damaged, simply replace them, as they are cheap and easy to fit.

tire

tire They are one of the most important safety features fitted to your car, as they ensure the car’s grip on the road.

Here in the UK, the minimum legal tire tread depth requirement is 1.6mm, anything less than this is considered ‘dangerous’ and will need to be replaced immediately. We recommend replacing them when the tread reaches 3mm, as the more rubber you have on your tyres, the more grip you’ll have.

Also inspect the tires for damage, as cuts, cracks and worn rubber can all affect the performance of tires during the winter months. You may want to consider switching to a set of ‘winter tyres’ as they will perform better at lower temperatures and are designed to disperse snow and water away from the rubber. And, ‘all-season’ tires are another option, which are a mix of summer and winter tyres, meaning you can use them all year round.

Lamp

Shorter days and longer nights mean that your car’s headlights will be used more in winter than in any other season.

It’s best to make sure all lights are working as they should. We recommend turning on all lights such as dip beam, main beam and indicators to see if they are working and illuminated as they should.

Always check that the brake lights are working too, as they can blow without warning and cause your car to fail fatally. Ask a friend or relative to check the lights from outside the vehicle while you are operating the vehicle from the inside.

oils and fluids

Oil is an essential part of helping your car’s engine run smoothly. If the engine oil in your car is low, it can cause engine damage or failure.

To check the oil level, open the bonnet and look for the dipstick – this is usually a yellow handle in most cars. Take it out of its holder and wipe off excess oil with a paper towel or old cloth, then put it back in the engine. Take it out again and it will tell you the engine oil level as the stick itself has a minimum and maximum gauge.

If the oil level is getting low, simply top it off – using the correct oil for your car – via the oil fill point – which is located under the oil filler cap. Once topped up, repeat the procedure with the dipstick, making sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum gauges. If you are unsure how to do this, a reputable garage can also change the oil for you.

Also, always remember to check engine fluid levels like screen wash, brake fluid and coolant as these are important, no matter what the season.

If the washer fluid is low, it may limit your forward visibility as a dirty front windscreen will not be cleaned effectively. Simply top up the screen wash using a good quality washer liquid. And, brake fluid is there to ensure that your vehicle stops smoothly. If the fluid is low or contaminated, it can lead to brake failure, so always make sure you check your brake fluid.

Coolant is a combination of water and antifreeze, which regulates engine temperature by absorbing heat and circulating it through the radiator. If the coolant level is low, your car’s engine will be at greater risk of overheating and damage. So, use it with good quality engine coolant that is right for your car.

pack essential items

It’s a good idea to pack your car with essential emergency equipment because you never know when you might need it.

Pack a first aid kit and some hi-vis clothing, while it might be a good idea to keep a blanket in your car along with a hat, scarf and gloves. These will come in handy if you’re unlucky enough to suffer a breakdown this winter.

keep your car clean

A simple and effective way to prepare your car for winter is to give it a thorough clean.

During the winter, mud and salt can accumulate under and in the wheel arches, which can contribute to rusting of the car.

Make sure you remove any dirt between and under the wheel arches, as well as use a good quality car shampoo.

Clean the car with a soft microfiber wash mitt, to prevent any dirt or debris from getting back onto the car that could scratch the paint. Then, use a good quality car polish and wax, which gives the body an extra layer of protection from the elements – a great way to protect your car in the winter.