Winter Car Maintenance: Essential Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather

Last Update: 05 February 2024 12:14

As the weather begins to cool down and winter approaches, it's time to prepare our cars for the cold season. With heavy rain, ice, and snow on the horizon, it's essential to be prepared for all conditions. As the precipitation approaches, it's crucial to prepare our vehicles for winter maintenance to ensure safety for ourselves and other vehicles on the road. But how do we prepare?
 
Winter brings with it some challenges during driving, from frosty mornings to the glare of the setting sun in the evenings. To combat these conditions, it's beneficial to regularly check your windshield and headlights and keep an ice scraper and microfiber cloth in your car.

Battery Check

Research has shown that one of the most significant breakdown causes in winter is the battery. Everything in the vehicle that requires electricity, such as heating elements, will demand full power from your battery. An aging battery will weaken and may hinder the engine's operation.

Antifreeze Check

In cold weather, if antifreeze is not used in the vehicle's radiator, the water in the radiator will freeze, leading to serious engine problems. Adding antifreeze to the radiator is necessary to prevent the water from freezing.
Essentials to Keep in Your Car During Winter Months
If possible, a spare battery,
Blanket,
First aid kit,
Shovel or scraper to remove snow and ice,
Tow rope,
Some snacks, and a spare tire.

Tire Check

Your tires will be working harder than ever in winter conditions. Therefore, it's best to opt for winter tires. Standard tires do not provide safe driving on snowy and icy roads.