Cold Weather Essential Maintenance Tips And Advice

The time is fast approaching when we begin to worry whether our cars are going to start in the cold winter mornings

. Theres nothing worse than spending ten minutes scraping the ice from your windshields to climb inside and turn the key to find out the cold has done some damage. Modern cars are designed to run in any weather, but accidents can happen and more than a few of us are driving slightly older models. Ensuring that you take good care of your car and making sure that its ready for the colder months of the year will give you the best chance of coming out of the other side of winter without a mechanics bill to pay.

Antifreeze is an essential mixture that goes into the radiator of your car. The chemical compounds prevent water from freezing, which can cause untold issues in the high pressure environment of the engine. Be sure that your antifreeze is topped up and is made to the specific ratio outlined on the bottle. Most antifreeze mixtures require a 1:1 split with water, but always check beforehand.

Another liquid to keep topped up is your wiper fluid. Dont be tempted to add conventional antifreeze to this well, as it can be corrosive on the paintwork and the rubber blades of your wipers. Specially designed non-freeze wiper fluid will do the trick here. Take a closer look at those wiper blades of yours; are they in top-top shape? Theyre put under considerably more strain during the winter months trying to shift snow, ice, slush and inevitably more rain. Pay close attention to the mechanism too, blades with exterior springs can freeze up and simply wont work.

Another part of your car that will have to work harder during the cold months is your battery. Not only will it have to start your engine in freezing conditions but it will undoubtedly have to cope with permanent heating and air conditioning, along with heated screens and constant wiper movement. If you know that youre due a new battery in the run-up to winter youll save yourself a lot of time and money doing it beforehand. If you have to be towed to a garage with a dead battery, youll be at the mercy of whatever price they want to charge you. If your battery just needs a clean-up, disconnect it and make sure that the terminals are clean and dry. Take a look at the connecting wires too and ensure their terminals are in a similar condition. Dont be tempted to use a wire brush, elbow grease will do.

Your tires are never more important than in winter, with wet and frozen roads making braking distances longer and increasing the potential for a skid. Ensure that your tread depth is sufficient for winter conditions, remember that youll need far more traction during the colder months. Even if your tyres were inflated to the correct pressure only a week or two ago, the change in temperature can alter this level as the air contracts and expands with temperature. Keep a close eye on the pressure levels.

With the best of will and ability, nobody can prepare for all eventualities. Ensuring that you have the right car accessories in your vehicle to equip you for a cold evening breakdown can make the difference between a freezing wait for the recovery truck or some comfortable time to think on those Christmas plans.

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