How to prepare your car for Winter

Life right now feels pretty uncertain, however, one thing that is certain is that sub-zero temperatures and frosty mornings are just around the corner. To use a well-worn and recycled phrase, Winter is coming.

As you switch out your swim suits and flip flops for your beanie hats and Winter boots it’s best to provide your vehicle with a Winter-weather once-over as well. In Winter-proofing your vehicle you will not only benefit you with an optimal performance but the minor investments into the correct fluids and new wipers etc can potentially save you hundreds down the road.

Check your Car Battery

During the colder months there is much more strain placed on your car battery; from the power drain of heaters and use of lights through to starting the car in cold temperatures which reduces the output. With the a battery replacement at TC Harrison starting at just £180 including installation; it could be a wise investment especially if your current battery is 5 years or older

Check your antifreeze

As the name suggests, Antifreeze is used to stop the fluids in your engine coolant, windscreen washer and brakes from freezing. It’s best to have this checked before the freezing temperatures arrive to ensure that the effectiveness is as expected, if not this is easily replaceable to ensure you aren’t caught out. Naturally this will also make you check the levels of your fluids, to ensure they are as they should be. It’s always advisable to carry a bottle of screen wash in your car, just in case you ever run out mid-journey!

Check tyres and tyre pressure

It’s essential that your tyres are in good condition throughout the year, but it’s more paramount in difficult weather conditions such as ice, snow and heavy rain. The legal limit for your tread depth is a minimum of 1.6mm but it’s recommended that during the Winter this is 3mm to help with grip in worsening conditions. Several people opt to change their tyres to Winter tyres, which increase grip in snow or ice. Wondering how to check the depth of your tyre? Use the 20p test

Check your windscreen for chips

Chips in your windscreen are a common occurrence up-and-down the country and it’s best to get these fixed as soon as possible no matter what time of year. However, in Winter they are much more susceptible to freezing and cracking; meaning a complete windscreen replacement. Thoroughly wash your windscreen for maximum visibility and check for any minor chips whilst you’re doing so, this could be a huge saviour down the line

Be prepared for a breakdown

By following the previously mentioned tips you can reduce your chances of a breakdown. However, it’s still best to be prepared in case you find yourself stranded on the roadside. It may sound extreme, but if you ever were to find yourself in the situation, you’d be glad you were prepared. TCH recommends:

A charger for your mobile
A shovel and tow rope
A hazard warning triangle
Hi-Visibility clothing
Warm clothes
Food and drink
De-icer and scraper
A first aid kit
A torch
Number for roadside rescue, if you’re with Ford Assist this is: 020 3564 4444