How to prepare your car for winter
The temperatures are finally starting to fall here in the UK after a long period of unseasonably mild weather. That means donning their hats, gloves and warm winter coats in preparation for the chilly season. Have you ever thought that as well as getting yourself prepared for the colder temperatures, you might want to think about getting your car ready too? There are a number of things you can do to prepare your car for the winter, so that you and other road users are kept safe, no matter the conditions. So let’s take a look at some of the easy ways to get your car ready for winter.
Equip your car with winter tyres
Winter tyres are often overlooked by many people in the UK. In many parts of Europe, these tyres are a mandatory requirement during the winter months - however on these shores they’re not required by law. As a result, winter tyres aren’t fitted by most people, even though they are a big help in the winter for many reasons.
Winter tyres have a huge impact on grip levels when the weather turns cold. They operate best when you’re in temperatures of under seven degrees. Here, they outperform traditional summer tyres when it comes to braking distances and traction on snow and ice. So if you’ve not considered winter tyres, you might want to check them out - but remember that you’ll need to swap back to summer or all-season tyres when things start to warm up again - then you’ll have them in good condition for the next time you need them!
Take a look at the different types of tyres you can buy to help you stay safe on the roads. It may also be wise to also get a free tyre check before the winter hits too so you can drive assured that your tyres will get you through the journey.
Remember to take snow chains with you
Snow chains are a web of chains that are installed over the tyre to help provide traction on the road when a normal tyre can’t. Now, snow chains probably won’t be required by the vast majority of drivers in the UK but if you’re planning on heading abroad this winter period, then it’s a good idea to have them packed in case you go to areas where they’re a legal requirement. As the name suggests, they’re only to be used over snow (and ice), as they can quickly damage a clear road. It’s a good idea to have a run-through of fitting snow chains before you depart too, as you’ll have a better understanding of how they go onto your car’s wheels before the need arises.
Check your lights
Your lights play a hugely important role during the darker winter months. Not only are they required to light up the road ahead of you, but they’re also a key component in making sure you’re visible to other road users. The police do have a right to pull you over if they see that your lights are not working.
It is vital that you double-check that everything is working as it should. Test your main and dipped beams and ensure that your indicators and brake lights are working too. You could ask a friend or relative to check while you activate the lights, or you could drive close to a reflective surface - like a garage door - and check them yourself. If you rely on automatic lights, remember to ensure that they are turned to the automatic setting so that you don’t drive away without them on - it’s easy to become complacent with them!
Check the fluids in your car
The added dirt and grime that is strewn across the UK’s roads at winter time means you’ll be going through more screenwash than usual, particularly as the roads get gritted to prevent black ice. It’s important to make sure that your car has plenty of screen wash and top it up if it’s running low. Don’t be tempted to just use water as this can freeze during colder temperatures and damage the system. Using a washer fluid with antifreeze will help to keep your windows clear at all times.
Also make sure that you’ve got the right levels of both oil and coolant, too. This is to ensure that you don’t break down in the freezing temperatures, where you could be waiting around for some time before being rescued.
Pack some essentials for your journey
A little planning can go a long way during the winter. If you have the misfortune of getting stuck at the roadside with a breakdown, then a few items can help to keep you both safe and warm. So make sure you keep some spare, warm clothes in the boot and a blanket to help if you’re stranded.
You might also want to pack a torch, some water and snacks and a fully-charged smartphone power bank. If you end up stranded on the side of the road, these items could be hugely beneficial to you, especially if you’re awaiting rescue for a few hours.
Take advantage of Light Assist
Some vehicles feature a clever system called Light Assist which can help make driving in the dark safer. It works by using lights that can automatically swivel in the direction you’re heading, lighting up corners and turns in the process.
It also has the added benefit of automatically activating the lights so you can see where you’re heading and which car is yours. This system also automatically adapts your lights to the situation, activating full beam when there’s nothing ahead and dipping it when it detects oncoming road users. This can be really useful when getting used to the darker nights again.
Use Night Vision Technology
Night Vision might sound like something reserved for sci-fi, but a good number of cars actually incorporate this technology today. The systems use infrared cameras to view the road ahead and can automatically ‘see’ objects in the road. An image of the road ahead will then be transmitted to the instrument binnacle ahead of the driver. Depending on the model, the system might also sound a warning if it detects something in the road ahead.
Audi and BMW are two manufacturers that use this technology for a safer drive.
Check your windscreen
Your windscreen takes a real beating through winter, so it’s a good idea to give it a check over from time to time. Keep an eye out for chips in the glass, as these can easily be repaired and saved from developing into a crack. If a crack does appear, however, it’ll only get worse as the temperatures fall and will eventually need replacing. Cracks can result in the glass breaking very easily, so it’s vital that you get it replaced as soon as possible.
It’s also good to remember that if your car is heading in for an MOT, a chip - if it’s located in the driver’s field of view and is larger than 10mm in front of the steering wheel or 40mm anywhere else - could result in a failure.
Use Snow Mode
Many modern cars on sale today incorporate some form of Winter or Snow Mode. This can really help when you’re travelling over slippery surfaces, as well as in snowy or icy conditions. Switching your car into Snow Mode can really help when attempting to pull away when you’re parked up or stopped on slippery roads, too. When combined with winter tyres it means you’ll have a whole lot of traction. This is particularly if you live in the countryside where the temperatures are likely to be colder than those in the city and the roads may not have been gritted.
Get your car winter-ready with Swansway
Staying safe on the road during the winter months is vital to your safety and that of other road users. If you’re concerned about your car’s health before the winter months, why not book in for a free Vehicle Health Check? Our merchandise and accessories for your car can ensure that not only is your vehicle one-of-a-kind but it’s also kitted out with everything you need to ensure the icy weather doesn’t affect your journey. 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.