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Keep your car safe and running during the winter with these simple tips

• All cars come with instructions from the manufacturer regarding the oil recommendations. Make sure that you’ve filled your oil in accordance with the guidelines for your vehicle

• Keeping your oil fresh is key to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly in any weather, especially in damp and cold conditions

OIL AND OIL FILTERS

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• Antifreeze is a critical part of your winter car care routine as it’s the fluid that goes into your car’s engine to ensure that it doesn’t freeze in cold weather

• Your car contains a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and waters, so make sure that you’ve replenished your antifreeze before the winter starts. Check the levels throughout the season, and top up when necessary

ANTI-FREEZE

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• Your tires are the link between your car and the road, so you’ve got to be sure that they’re in the best possible condition

• Each tyre has a recommended PSI level (usually printed on the rim) and it’s important to ensure that your tyres are inflated to that guide line

• Tyre treads should be in good condition and not completely worn down - you need them to ensure good traction in poor conditions. A minimum of 3mm is recommended

TYRE TREADS AND PRESSURE

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• The late autumn is definitely a time to check that your brakes are still in good enough shape to last you through the winter as stopping suddenly can be impacted by seasonal weather conditions

• To check that your brakes are winter-ready, ensure that the brake pads are still thick. Some brakes have an indicator, advising you when they need to be changed

BREAKS

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• Visibility is massively important in winter driving, so be sure that even in harsh weather conditions you’ve taken the few simple possible safeguards to see as clearly as possible

• This includes replacing the wiper blades if you’re having any issues with them, your windshield fluid is topped up, and there aren’t any chips or scratches in your windscreen

WINDSCREEN

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• In the dark evenings and mornings during the winter months, ensuring your lights are in working order is a very simple but important check. Since the days are shorter, you’ll need the lights on longer

• Check that your headlights, driving lights, brake lights, signal bulbs full beams, and tail lights are all working as they’re supposed to

LIGHTS

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• One of the most common car faults is the battery dying, so make sure you get your battery replaced if you’re worried it mightn't last through the season especially if it’s older than five years

• As battery problems are most common in the winter, your local garage can check that all the clamps and connections to the battery are stable

• Try not to leave your car stationary for lengthy periods of time, and ensure that you turn everything off (lights and radio included)

BATTERY

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• If you’ve got an air filter in place in your vehicle, it’s a good idea to replace it before the cold winter days as you’ll likely keep your heating from October to April.

• Ensure you reduce the contaminants trapped in the filter during the rest of the year. This will not only help you breathe easier but it will also reduce the risk of contaminants making their way from the filter deeper into the car causing problems.

CABIN AIR FILTER

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• If kept unchecked, rust can be a massive problem for car owners. It isn’t just unsightly, but it can also lead to other issues like corrosion sending otherwise fine cars to the scrap heap.

• To prevent against the elements and salt and keep your car’s appearance at its best, make sure to wax your vehicle regularly.

WAX

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A classic winter emergency kit kept in the boot is one of the most important things to get your car ready for the winter. Make sure to include:

• Anti-freeze and de-icer

• Torch

• Jumper cables

• Thick rope

• Small shovel

• Sand

• Blanket

• First Aid Kit

• Energy Bars

• Mittens, hats, and socks

EMERGENCY KIT

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