Vehicle Safety Checks for Winter
Discover our top tips and safety checks to keeping safe on the road this winter
Here are our top vehicle safety checks for winter to ensure you and your vehicle stay safe on the road this season.
The winter weather can be tough to endure not only for us but also for our vehicles. Weather conditions such cold temperatures, rain, frost, sleet, ice, snow and slush can cause havoc if we’re unprepared as our car has to work much harder in these conditions.
Battery
Our first vehicle safety check for winter is a must-do! Your battery has to work even harder to turn over your engine to get your vehicle started in the cold/freezing temperatures. Additionally, due to the winter weather you are more likely to use your lights, heater, windscreen wipers so this alone will draw power from your battery more than normal.
Older batteries are more likely to fail and not hold charge, so it is important to test and recharge your battery and replace your battery every three years.
Tyres
The cold weather reduces your tire pressure. If you don’t check them frequently, your tires may be under-inflated, causing them to wear out more quickly and even lead to potential blowouts. Your tyres are your vehicles only connection to the road and it is vital that they are in good condition and correctly inflated for good traction and grip.
Wiper blades
Another vehicle safety check for winter is checking your wiper blades. They are not everlasting and will need replacing from time-to-time, so check them for splits and cracks. This is a must in winter due to poor visibility.
Fluids
A general rule for any motorist is to check and top up all fluids before setting off on a long journey, this becomes even more important during the winter period.
Oil level: Your oil level should be between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick if that is not the case top up if necessary.
Coolant level: The last thing you need is a frozen engine or for your car to overheat, ensure your coolant is at the right level before starting your journey.
Fuel: Prepare your car for any trips you will be making, ensure you have sufficient fuel for your whole journey.
Screen wash: During the winter it is essential to always have your screen wash topped up and ready to use debris, dirt and weather conditions could hinder your visibility on any journey.
Lights
It is essential for you as a road user to be seen at all times whilst you are driving especially in winter conditions. You must check that all the lights on your vehicle are in fully working order, walk around your vehicle before any journey to ensure your lights are free from dirt and grime as they can be become extremely dirty over time due the bad weather.
Think of yourself
These are just a few must haves to carry with you, warm clothes in your car, waterproof jacket, warm boots as well as a torch and a few basic tools. An Ice scrapper, phone charger, gloves and blanket will always come in handy. Consider keeping bottles of water in the car as well as emergency food supplies, such as energy bars and chocolate.
Need help with these vehicle safety checks for winter? We've got you covered!
Need help with preparing your vehicle for winter? We’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and we’ll be able to make sure that you and your vehicle will be as safe as possible on the road this winter.
We cover all surrounding areas of Taplow, Maidenhead, Cookham, Marlow, Bourne End, Wooburn Green, Flackwell Heath and High Wycombe.
