Driving in the winter can be an absolute nightmare. There is always a chance that your car might leave you stranded over winter. It is important that drivers prepare well in advance for harsh conditions. Get your vehicle serviced and inspected to reduce the risk of breaking down in nasty weather.
Give your car a quick check every morning before taking off. It is a good idea to winterize your car before the weather getting worse. Here are few tips to “Avoid Breakdowns In Winter”.
Check your Battery
One of the most important parts to take care of in winter is your battery. Battery related faults account for the highest volume of breakdowns. Battery capacity decreases significantly in cold weather. It is important to check with a mechanic before winter and replace the battery if necessary.
Check your Lights
It’s vital to have fully functioning headlights and brake lights. Correctly functioning lights increase your own visibility while driving and allow other drivers to see you. Check your lights are working and make sure lights are not covered by dirt or snow.
Check your Tyres
It is important to keep the tyres properly maintained for driving in wintery conditions. Make sure you check your tyre thread depth. Minimum tread level is 1.6mm, during winter it’s advisable to have 3mm. You could even consider winter tyres for extra safety.
Check your tyre pressure once a month, especially during the winter since tyre pressure can drop as the air becomes colder. This can be done at any service station.
Top Up your Engine Oil, Coolant, and Screen Wash
It is important to check the fluid levels of the car. Check your engine oil level, coolant, and screen wash regularly and top-up if necessary.
Motor oil thickens when cold, reducing engine circulation. This can be avoided by purchasing oil that is thinner than normal. It is important to change the oil regularly especially before winter if you haven’t t replaced recently, and replace the oil filter as well to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow
Coolant will prevent water in the cooling system from freezing when temperatures plummet. Refer to your car owner’s manual to find out which coolant is right for your vehicle.
Driving in winter months can result in more dirt, salt and other road grime being thrown up on your car. You will use the windscreen washer more frequently than usual. Fill it with winter washer fluid as it is designed to prevent it from freezing at low temperatures.
Check your Wiper Blades and Keep Windows Clean
Don’t wait until it’s too late to replace your wiper blades. Good visibility is a safety priority. Replace the wiper blades as you notice cracks in the rubber or the blades or if they are not clearing the water from the windscreen completely. A damaged wiper blade can damage your windscreen. It can be extremely dangerous – especially when driving at night and while snow.
Make sure you keep your windows clean to ensure you are not smearing dirt and debris across your windscreen. In the winter there’s more salt and sand on the road due to the snow and ice. So always be careful while cleaning the windscreen to reduce the chance of damage.
Inspect your Brakes
Rattles, squeals, shakes, a soft brake pedal and a noticeable increase in stopping distance are all signs that your car’s braking system needs attention.
Stopping distances increase in wintery conditions such as icy surfaces and snowy roads. So, it is important to check your brakes as we approach winter.
Check Air Condition System
Air con system helps to demist your windscreen and humidifies inside your car. When it’s cold outside, the inside of your windscreen may fog up. This leads to a lack of visibility and a potentially dangerous situation. It is important to use your air conditioning to clear the windscreen.
Get a Professional Winter Car Service
If your car hasn’t been serviced recently, consider booking it in for a Winter Service & Inspection. Your car needs to be serviced regularly to keep it running well and especially in colder weather. Bring your car to a Professional Service Centre for a winter check. It is very important to get your car winter ready.
Don’t delay your service as the temperature has begun to drop. At Logic Fleet Service Centre, we have qualified technicians to look after your vehicle. Contact us today for a Winter Service & Inspection.
Get your winter vehicle service from only €129
Book your winter service now and get the following:
Services include:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Check and top up antifreeze, windscreen fluid if needed.
- Battery health check
- Tyre pressure and thread check
- Headlights and brake lights check
- Brake pads and disc check
- 101 Point Safety Inspection Check
Also get free essentials:
- Screen wash
- De icer
- Ice scrapper
- Demister pads
And complimentary car wash & Vacuum.
Book your Appointment Now!
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Your Automotive Repair & Maintenance Service Specialist
