The winter months are close at hand, despite the warm weather being an extremely recent memory for many of us. With the winter comes challenges for commuters, particularly motorists, as the roads get more dangerous – but the weather can also have some serious impacts on your car, too. As a driver, what are some simple checks you should make before winter truly arrives?
Oil
Of all the things to check before the fullness of winter descends, your engine oil is amongst the most important. The level and quality of your oil is crucial to the health of your engine year-round, but the colder temperatures of winter can accelerate the negative impacts of old or depleted oil levels.
Oil’s chief purpose is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts, though it also has some responsibility for distributing heat. Old oil is thicker, by virtue of having incorporated shavings and debris from the engine itself; as temperatures drop, the oil gets even thicker, and loses more of its ‘slickness’, increasing the risk of engine seizure. Ideally you would replace your oil completely, but a top-up could be enough to see you through the season.
Tyres
The next-most important seasonal consideration for your vehicle is the state of your tyres. Your tyres are your car’s sole point of contact with the road, and as such essential to check as roads get wetter and icier. If your treads are wearing thin, you run a higher risk of hydroplaning when driving – which, needless to say, is hugely dangerous and terrifying to boot.
If your tyres are worn, you might consider replacing them with a set of purpose-manufactured winter car tyres. These tyres utilise a rubber compound that remains soft even in cold temperatures, ensuring that the tyres keep a supple grip on the roads where summer tyres would otherwise tighten up. If your tyres are in good condition, though, all you may need to do is top up your tyre pressure; air pressure drops in the cold.
Electrics
Finally, with the encroaching cold it can be a wise move to check over your vehicle’s electrics – especially your car battery. It is easy to forget that batteries are chemical things, and that car batteries derive their charge from a chemical reaction. These chemicals interact with the colder weather, often leading to a significant reduction in available charge. Replacing your battery can help you avoid issues with your car failing to start, something which no one needs on a cold morning.
