Key Takeaways
To keep your tyres and vehicle safe this winter, don't let ice or snow build up on your lights, windows or mirrors. Additionally, it's essential to maintain a full fluid level and to keep your battery and lights in good working order.
You should also examine your tyres, consider winter tyres, check tyre pressure, always keep a spare tyre and jack on hand, keep your tyres clean and install winter wipers. Finally, ensure that your MOT is up-to-date and that you schedule a winter service for your vehicle.
Winter Vehicle Check: Why Is It Important?
As winter approaches, keeping a vehicle checklist is essential to preparing your vehicle for cold weather. This is especially important when travelling in Britain during the winter months so that you can avoid potential hazards on the road and gain a better degree of safety while driving in snowy and icy conditions.
Tips On How To Keep Your Car And Tyres Safe In British Winters
Driving in the snow presents challenges, but winter is a challenging time for drivers. Shorter daylight hours and chilly temperatures contribute to longer journeys, and traffic jams and breakdowns are more likely.
Considering all this, being prepared is more crucial than ever, so we have put together a list of tyre and vehicle safety tips.
-
Don't Let Ice Or Snow Build Up On Your Lights, Windows Or Mirrors
Avoid letting ice or snow build up on your car's lights, windows and mirrors to protect it from harsh winter weather. Start by investing in a good quality ice scraper and brush to remove snow buildup on your car windows efficiently. Ensure your headlights, rear lights, indicators, and mirrors are clear of snow before driving. Additionally, keep all windows clear so that visibility remains optimal when driving in poor weather. -
Check Your Tyre Pressure
As your car's only point of contact with the road, your tyres are very important, so make sure they're in excellent condition. Check tyre pressure, as overinflated and underinflated tyres affect grip. For proper inflation levels, refer to your owner's manual. -
Consider Winter Tyres
When it comes to maintaining your tyres, it's easy to overlook the most crucial aspect: which tyres are right for you? Winter tyres in the UK offer improved grip during cold or slushy conditions. Check out the best winter tyres in 2022, and ensure that your car is equipped for driving in winter.
Additionally, keep in mind that it's never a good idea to mix winter and summer tyres, as it can exacerbate slippery conditions and affect vehicle handling, especially if the tread patterns are different. It's crucial to replace all four tyres when buying winter or all-season tyres. -
Maintain A Full Fluid Level
Remember to top off your oil and windscreen wash. Make sure you use antifreeze as well, as this can help prevent damage to your engine. Oil can be checked with a dipstick and a dry cloth. Check the coolant level and add antifreeze as needed. Unexpected delays can occur, so you should ensure your tank is filled with plenty of fuel. -
Examine Your Tyres
Be sure to inspect for dings, cracks, bulges and cracks in your tyres, along with the tread depth. Grippy tyres are essential in winter, so don't use worn-out tyres. It is recommended that your tyres have a minimum of 2mm to 3mm of tread during the winter for better traction. -
Always Keep A Spare Tyre And Jack On Hand
Keeping a spare tyre and jack in your vehicle can help prevent breakdowns and tyre mishaps. The spare tyre should be inflated properly and regularly checked for wear or damage. Additionally, you should ensure the jack fits your vehicle and is in good condition. -
Make Sure Your MOT Is Up To Date
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a legal requirement that ensures a vehicle is safe and roadworthy. It also ensures that your car complies with environmental regulations. The test involves a variety of inspections, including checking the lights, steering, brakes and exhaust systems. -
Schedule A Winter Service For Your Car
Before winter sets in, get your car serviced. A regular service and maintenance check can prevent half of the problems caused by cold weather. An oil change, tyre check, coolant and antifreeze check, windscreen wiper check and battery check are all commonly included in a winter car check. -
Install Winter Wipers
Rubber covers the blades of winter wipers so that ice can't accumulate on them. When spring arrives, make sure to take them down. Compared to regular wipers, winter ones are heavier, so if they are on all the time, they put more strain on the wiper motor. -
Keep Your Battery In Good Condition
In cold weather, your vehicle's battery capacity decreases. Prepare your car for winter, and check your battery cables and fluid. -
Check The Condition Of Your Lights
Headlights, brake lights and indicators enhance visibility on the road. Low light conditions or foggy weather can make it difficult for you and other drivers to see well when you have faulty or damaged light bulbs. This type of weather is expected in British winter months, so your vehicle's lights should be in excellent working order. -
Keep Your Tyres Clean
It's hard to keep your car clean during the winter. But this shouldn't discourage you from cleaning your car, as dirt and salt can cause corrosion and damage. It is also possible for dirt to conceal major problems with your tyres, which could result in roadside problems.
Looking For Quality Tyres In Swindon?
Travelling in the winter can be a tricky affair. However, taking the time to check your tyres and service your vehicle beforehand can help ensure that you're safe and secure on the roads. Watch out for icy patches, slow down when needed and keep emergency supplies handy.
At Imperial Tyres, we offer tyre fitting services, wheel alignment and more to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free driving experience this winter season. Contact our team today!