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As we usher in the cooler, darker and wetter days of autumn and winter, motorists are reminded to prepare their vehicles For changing circumstances.
After the summer, often taking family and friends or going on holiday adventures, Cars will soon face more challenging environments during the cold winter months.
It is important to ensure that your vehicle is in the best condition road safetyProtect not only yourself and your loved ones but also other road users.
Proactive maintenance can reduce risks and prevent problems now Season It gets spoiled.
service your car
When it comes to vehicle maintenance there’s nothing better than giving your car a full service.
Fresh oil and filters, pollen filters, air filters, spark plugs and new brake fluid can ensure that your car runs smoother, is more reliable and also gives it a clean bill of health.
If you’re not confident servicing your car yourself, there are plenty of reputable garages that can do this for you, with prices ranging from £200 to £400 for a full service of your vehicle.
Make sure all electrics work
Since the dark days are almost upon us, your car’s electrics should be working as they should.
The headlights are one of the most important safety features of the car, so make sure all the bulbs are not burnt out. Turn on all lights, including dipped and main beams as well as hazard warning lights.
Another useful tip is to check that the side lights as well as the rear brake lights are working.
If you’re alone and have no way to check them, turn your car upside down against a wall to see if the lights reflect back, or if you have someone, ask them to press the brake pedal so you can check.
If you spot a blown bulb or electrical fault, make sure you get it repaired immediately, as driving with limited visibility is dangerous.
Check the condition of the tires
Another important safety feature fitted to your car are the tyres, as they ensure that the car grips the road.
Here in the UK, car tires are required to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread to pass an MOT and be considered ‘safe’ for use on our roads.
Check your tires for any other signs of wear, including damage such as cracks, wear, cuts and tears around the sidewalls, and also check their production date, as older rubber will not be as effective in slippery conditions.
Also, always keep checking the tire pressure. All cars will come with a label located somewhere within the vehicle that will tell you the manufacturer’s preferred PSI reading, which will ensure that the tires are correctly inflated.
If they are not, it could cause an explosion. This may also increase fuel consumption.
top up screenwash
Don’t forget that pouring liquids like screenwash on top is an important safety measure.
Make sure you use a good quality screenwash, as you will need to clean your windscreen regularly during salty and humid conditions.
Running out of washer fluid may prevent you from being able to clean your screen properly, which is especially important when the weather is inclement.
replace wiper blade
It may not seem that important, but wiper blades are a vital tool in keeping your car’s windscreen clean.
Check the wiper blades for cracks or cracks in the rubber – this will mean it needs a replacement if you notice any cracks.
If the wipers are clearing the screen but hitting the glass or squealing, it may just be a matter of cleaning the rubber blades, and you should be good to go.
However, if the wipers are not clearing the screens effectively, you need to replace them, as driving with limited visibility can be dangerous and will cause your vehicle to fail its MOT.
Check your car’s coolant level
Coolant works in the winter by ensuring that the engine does not suffer any damage when the temperature drops.
Most coolant should last the lifetime of the car, but in some cases, your car’s coolant level may drop if a fault occurs in the system.
Always double-check the coolant level before leaving on a long trip, and if you’re unsure, your car’s owner’s manual should have the correct coolant and mixture for use in case you need to top it up.
correct any defects
If your car has recently had its MOT and it has passed, but there are some advisory warnings, we would advise you to get them rectified immediately.
One tip is to tell you that even if your car is safe to use on the road, you need to monitor for faults, as it could potentially fail the next MOT.
The last thing you want is for your vehicle to break down due to poor maintenance, causing an accident or injuring someone.