HomeMotoring UKPrepare your car for Winter Jayne Henry December 30, 2014 Motoring UK Apparently the price we have to pay for a glorious summer and a pleasant autumn, is a terrible winter. We hope it’s not true, but if it is, you need your car to be prepared. Winter driving conditions can be treacherous, and it’s not always possible to avoid driving in bad weather. Tyres A minimum of 3mm of tread is needed for winter driving, or be extra safe and change over to winter tyres Windscreen A good quality screen wash will make all the difference as it will take a lower temperature for it to freeze. Keep your windscreen clean and you’ll be less likely to be dazzled when the sun is low. Battery Battery failure is far more common in winter than in summer. If your battery is a few years old, get it checked. Locks and doors Frozen locks and doors can be a problem in winter, to prevent this, rub a little vaseline over your door seals, and give your locks a squirt of WD40. Antifreeze Don’t forget the antifreeze! If you’re in any doubt, ask your garage about the correct type for your vehicle and the concentration level. Winter emergency kit It’s always a good idea to be extra prepared for an emergency in winter. Keep blankets, a torch an ice scraper and jump leads in the boot, and always take a mobile phone with you, don’t forget to programme in the number of your breakdown service.
