Winter can prove to be a tough time for cars. With grimier roads, fewer daylight driving hours and the prospect of far colder temperatures, it’s a time of year where preparation goes a long way. Ensuring that your car is up to speed mechanically can fend off the chance of a breakdown further down the line while reducing the impact of the winter weather.
In this article, we’re going to be checking out some of the key checks that you can make to make certain your vehicle is ready for winter.
Tyres
Tyres are crucial to your car. After all, they’re the only point of contact that your vehicle has to the road, so they’re a great place to start when making winter-ready checks. Look over the sidewalls for any cuts or bulges and, if you have any concerns, get them checked by a trained professional and swapped out if necessary.
You’ll also want to check the tread. In the UK, the legal tread limit is 1.6mm and to check this, one of our cold-weather tips is to use a 20p piece inserted into the grooves. If the outer band is obscured, then the tyres are still within the limit, but if you can see it, they’ll need to be replaced right away.
If you live in an area which is prone to more drastic weather changes - or you’re in a rural location that gritters can’t reach - you might want to consider fitting winter tyres ahead of the cold weather as they provide improved traction over snow and ice.
Fluids
Fluids are what keep your car moving efficiently and without them being at the right levels, your car is more at risk of breakdown. Aspects such as the oil can be checked easily by removing the dipstick, cleaning it off with a clean towel or rag, reinserting it into the engine and removing it once more to check. From there, you’ll be able to see how much oil your car’s engine has, allowing you to top it up in small increments. It’s a key aspect of winter car preparation.
While you’re there, make sure that the coolant levels are spot-on and check the windscreen washer fluid levels, too. Don’t be tempted to fill it up with just water as this can freeze in sub-zero temperatures and cause damage to the system - always use proper screenwash.
Windscreen
Your windscreen can take a hit during the summertime, but it’s only when things get colder and darker that you notice them. Give your windscreen a visual inspection and look out for any large stone chips. When the weather gets colder these can quickly worsen, so spotting them early can allow you to get them repaired professionally - and it’s far more cost-effective than having to replace an entire windscreen later on.
Lights
Your lights are crucial during winter not only for visibility but also for ensuring that other road users can see you properly. You can test them by driving up close to a shiny surface - a garage door is ideal - and operating each light, including full beams and indicators. To check the rear lights, reverse up to that shiny surface and do the same while checking in the rear-view mirror.
If you notice that any of your lights aren’t working, then make sure you get them fixed right away. It can be as simple as replacing a bulb, which you can either do at home or have done at a reputable garage - it won’t be too expensive.
Brakes
While you’re here, it’s a good opportunity to check out your brakes. Drive slowly and operate the pedal; does it feel a little long, or does it take more time than you’d expect for the brakes to start ‘biting’? Does the pedal vibrate at all, or are there any squeaks or grinding noises coming from the brakes themselves?
If this is the case, you might want to get them checked out. A vibrating pedal could suggest that the brakes are warped while screeching or grinding noises might point towards worn-out brake pads. In this instance, get them checked out by a trained technician as soon as possible.
Warm Clothing
It’s always better to prepare for the worst. That’s why we’d recommend keeping a few items of warm clothing in the boot of your car, which will allow you to keep the cold at bay if you have to stay at the roadside for any reason. Be it during a jam on the motorway or a breakdown on a country road, some warm clothing can make any unexpected stopover far more comfortable during winter.
You might also want to keep a fully charged power bank in your car so that you can top up your mobile when parked.
Activate Cold-Weather Equipment
If you’d like to take the edge of the winter weather even further, then you could check out one of the new Mazda vehicles that we currently have in stock. On certain models of the range-topping CX-80, you’ll find heated seats equipped as standard as well as a toasty heated steering wheel.
Or, if you’d like to go one step further, opt for the electric MX-30, which can be pre-heated ahead of time when on charge. With this, you can set the car to your ideal temperature—and even defrost the windscreen—before you’ve even stepped foot in the vehicle.
As we’ve touched upon, winter can be a tricky time for your car and if you think that a new model could make winter driving more comfortable, then head to our website today to check out our range of both new and used Mazda vehicles. Get in touch with our expert team at David Hayton today to discover more!
