Introduction
As the nights draw in, it’s no secret that winter is just around the corner. With the change of season, a bigger emphasis on road safety should be in mind, especially when it comes to your own vehicle and how you look after it. Your car is one of your most important assets throughout the winter months, as it provides comfort, warmth and safety in the dark and cold. There are a number of things you should be checking on your car before the winter rolls around to ensure that it is fit for purpose during the colder season.
Check your tyres
As part of national Tyre Safety Month, apart from your brakes, your tyres are the most important feature on your car and it’s imperative that they are in full working order before the winter hits. When the temperature drops, there is more risk of ice and snow on the road, and your tyres need to have enough grip to keep you safe. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but in reality, your treads need to be 3mm and above for them to have a suitable amount of grip. This is applicable for any time of year, but in winter it’s particularly important. To be fully prepared, you could invest in specific winter tyres for your vehicle, as they will be able to cope with the snow, ice and slush.
Check your fuel
Your car can see an increase in fuel usage in the colder months, especially if you’re having to travel in bad weather where it may take you longer to get to your destination, or there are a lot of traffic jams due to accidents or bad road conditions. Filling up with fuel regularly ensures that you will always have enough to get from A to B.
Make sure the lights are clean
During the winter months, most roads are a lot dirtier due to the moisture that gathers. This means your car can get dirty very quickly, especially when the spray from other vehicles slowly coats it. Keeping your registration plates clean is one thing, but keeping your lights clean is important for both you and other drivers - if your lights are covered in grime, they won’t be as effective to help you see in the dark, nor will they be as effective when other drivers need to see where you are on the road. Make sure you clean your headlights, brake lights and fog lights so that you are fully visible in any situation and ensure that they are in full working order when on any journey.
Check the battery
During winter, you tend to use your lights and heating more often, which will take its toll on the battery. This, alongside the cold temperatures, means that your battery will need checking to ensure that it’s in full working order. On average, a car battery lasts for around 5 years, so if you’re getting closer to that point, booking your car in to have a professional take a look would be a wise decision. If the battery is already struggling, you may need to consider getting it replaced to negate the risk of a breakdown.
Check for cracks in the windscreen
Whilst windscreen cracks can happen at any time of the year, during winter, any that are already in your screen are more prone to spreading and worsening. Grit and grime become more apparent on the road, so cracks and chips can start to be a common issue. When you see a crack in the windscreen, no matter how big it is, you should always get it replaced, or at the very least get it looked at to prevent the windscreen shattering whilst you are driving and to prevent costly issues further down the line.
Have an essentials kit in your car
Whilst this is a good idea during any season, in winter it is particularly important. You can break down at any time, whether you are going to the shops, or travelling long-distance. It’s always recommended to have an essentials kit in your car which includes:
- Bottles of water
- Non-perishable food
- A blanket
- A torch
- A high-vis jacket
- A first aid kit
- A reflective triangle
- A phone charger
- Some walking shoes (just in case you need to walk to safety)
Some vehicles come equipped with some essentials as standard (like Renault), but if yours doesn’t, you can buy many of these essentials for a small cost. Better to be safe than sorry!
Clean all of your wipers and the windscreen
Your windscreen wipers can attract and hold dirt at any time of the year, but during the winter months it can become a lot worse due to continuous dirt on the road. You may find that you’re using your windscreen wipers a lot more in the winter, so it’s important that they are kept clean to avoid smearing dirt on the glass. This could both damage the glass, and reduce your visibility of the road. It is advised to keep on top of your washer fluid to ensure you always have enough - you can also top this up with antifreeze to prevent it from freezing when you need it the most.
We would recommend cleaning the inside of your windscreen as well - if it’s dirty, the low sun or other driver’s headlights can cause a glare and you might not be able to see clearly. Use a cloth to wipe the interior of the screen and keep one with you in your glove box to have on-hand.
Stay safe in your car in the winter with Swansway
Staying safe on the road during the winter is imperative for you and your family to reach your destination without an incident occuring. We offer a free tyre check to ensure the safety of your tyres, as well as a range of merchandise and accessories. If you’re looking for a new car to help you take on the winter months, take a look at our huge range of new and used vehicles that have a multitude of features to help you in the colder weather. If you’re unsure what you're looking for, or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.