How to Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

With January and February bringing cold temperatures, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle for the winter challenges ahead. The cold, snow, and ice can greatly affect your car, potentially leading to breakdowns and safety risks. To help you navigate your way through the cold winter months, Automotive Blog has come up with some essential tips on how you can prepare your car for the cold weather.

Assess the Tyres

Tyres are your vehicle’s first line of defence against slippery roads, so it’s paramount that they’re in the best condition possible. We recommend that you check the tread depth and overall condition of your tyres on a regular basis to ensure that they are road-safe. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, then you should consider switching to winter tyres or equipping snow chains onto your existing tyres. Doing so will provide your vehicle with better traction and handling in cold weather conditions. Want some more tips on how to drive in snow and ice? Take a look at this handy blog ‘Safe Driving in Snow and Ice: Essential Accessories In Case of Breakdown’.

Test Your Battery

Cold weather can have an impact on your battery’s performance, therefore it’s important that this is frequently checked. To be confident that your battery can withstand the winter conditions, it’s recommended that you have your battery tested. With the increased risk of breakdowns, you should keep a jump starter or power pack in your vehicle, as this can prove to be a real life saver! Jump starters are effective because they allow you to jump-start your vehicle without the need of another vehicle.

Check Your Antifreeze Levels

Antifreeze plays an integral role in preventing your engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Antifreeze also contains properties which helps to protect your vehicle’s radiator from corrosion and harmful damage in the warmer months. Before driving, ensure that the antifreeze levels in your car are adequate and that the mixture is appropriate for the winter months. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is generally recommended for most vehicles.

Inspect Wider Blades

Whether it’s snow, sleet or hail, the winter months can throw up all sorts of obstacles which can impact our visibility when driving. As a result of this, it’s essential that you inspect your wiper blades for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice that they’re looking a bit worse for wear, it might be time to replace them. Unsure what to look for in your next set of wiper blades? Read our blog ‘Three Things to Look For in Your Next Set of Wiper Blades (and When to Change Them)’ to find out more!

Keep an Emergency Kit

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and you might find yourself unexpectedly breaking down. If you do breakdown, you’ll want to have an emergency kit in your car to help you. For instance, packing essential items such as a flashlight, blanket, warm clothing, water and first-aid kit can be particularly useful in the event of a breakdown.

Stay Safe This Winter

Preparing your car for cold weather is not only important for your safety, but your vehicle’s performance too. By following these tips, you can avoid potential issues and enjoy a smoother driving experience, even when temperatures drop. Remember always to stay informed about weather conditions and adjust your driving habits accordingly.