Winter Driving

With the nights drawing in, the icy fingers of winter are itching to get at your car as it sits on your drive.  After the carnage caused by last winter's snow, it would be a good idea to perform some basic winter checks in readiness for more frosty fun and games on the road - it could be the difference between you making it home from work in one piece or ending up in the nearest field/bush/lamp post.  Being ready for the worst that winter can throw at you will also ensure that your car makes it through to the spring without any lasting damage.  You can make these checks yourself, but it never hurts to get a once over by a professional garage to make sure you're car is ready for the rigors of the season, especially your brakes!

• Check oil level
• Check the engine coolant level in the radiator or expansion tank attached and top up if necessary, but only when the engine is cold.  Top up the windscreen washer reservoir with antifreeze mixture in the correct proportions, which will be noted in the manufacturer's handbook.
• Use a pressure gauge to check that the air pressure in all tyres is correct, including the spare.
• Use a tyre-tread tool to measure the depth of the tread on all tyres, bare tyres will make your car handle like Bambi on ice frosty conditions.  Most modern tyres have wear bars; which stand proud of the bottom of the tread grooves.  If they are flush, change your tyre!
• Check that all lights and indicators are working and that they're clean - including fog lights.  Replace any spent bulbs and ensure that the battery terminals are clean and secure.
• Keep the windscreen, mirrors and windows clean, inside and out.  In cold misty or foggy weather, check that the windscreen de-mister works before you drive off - and when we say de-mister we don't just mean your sleeve.
• Replace worn rubbers on windscreen wipers; ensure number plates are clean and firmly attached.
• A simple collection of tools and equipment will help you deal with many emergencies and can be stowed in the boot.  These can include: first aid kit, warning triangle, jack, foot pump, paper roll, engine oil, water, a sack to provide traction if you get stuck, spare fuses and bulbs and a penknife.  Also carry a blanket, gloves and boots.  And if you really want to go crazy, a tent, firewood, your passport and an open ended ticket to the Caribbean.
• Keep a can of de-icer and a scraper in the car at all times.  And we mean a proper scraper - not your credit card.
• When starting your car in cold weather, ensure all non-essential electrics are off (fan, heater, radio, lights etc.) this gives the battery more of a chance sparking your beast into life.

Do not over run the starter if your car doesn't start straight away.  Only crank it for thirty second bursts, this gives the battery a chance to recover.  If it doesn't get going, kick it; phone work and tell them you're not coming in, call the AA and then go inside and make a cup of tea whilst you wait for them to come and jump start you.These may sound like common sense, but winter is a far more dangerous time to be on the road and for that reason you shouldn't take a chance with a dodgy motor.  So why not give us a ring and book your car in for a Winter check over.