Winter Top Tips
With colder weather approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure that all your vehicle’s general maintenance is up to date!
That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top tips for keeping your car ready for the road! Keep reading to find out more!
Check Oil and Fluid Levels
The easiest way to increase the life of your car is to ensure you are checking your oils and fluids regularly.
Other areas to check regularly include the coolant reservoir, which you should top up with 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, and the windscreen washer bottle.
Safety Products
Products like High Vis PPE, life hammers and first aid kits are great to have in your vehicle in the event of an emergency. We also recommend additional water, a dash cam, a blanket and a warning triangle if you are travelling long distances.
Air Con
No one likes getting into a car and finding the air-con doesn’t work to keep you warm in winter.
Over time, car air-con systems can leak their refrigeration gas. This is especially the case with older models if the air-con doesn’t get a good run-through every so often, so leaving it off can be a false economy. Don’t be afraid to use your air-con when you need to. It’s good for it.
If your air-con isn’t working as it should – maybe it seems a bit lacklustre, or there’s a funny smell – give us a call. We’ll take a look and fix it if needed.
Filters
Your car’s oil filter and air filter can become clogged over time so it’s a good idea to renew them regularly.
They should be replaced as part of scheduled car servicing, but both are relatively simple jobs – particularly an air filter swap – so you might want to give it a try yourself and save money in the process.
You can often prolong the life of the air filter by washing it, too. Consult your handbook for advice on filter cleaning and changes, and be sure to use genuine parts. Cheap, poor-quality filters could damage your engine in the long term.
Tyre Pressure
Low tyre pressure can cause several problems when driving, including delayed or less precise reactions of the car, extended braking distances, risk of over or understeering of the vehicle and irregular tyre wear to name a few!
Checking your tyre pressure regularly can help mitigate these issues.
Tyre Tread
Keeping an eye on your tyres is important to avoid safety risks while travelling, along with potential fines for having worn tyres.
The legal tread depth for tyres on cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, though most experts recommend a 3mm depth before replacing your tyres.
Screenwash / Wipers
Having a clear windscreen while driving is important for both your own safety, and those around you. Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up before any long journeys and check regularly to make sure you don’t run out.
If your wiper blades are leaving streaks on your windscreen or squeaking when in use, it might be time to invest in a new set to ensure good visibility in the event of a sudden downpour!
And don’t forget, you can book online with West Heath Garage for any additional servicing needs!
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