A car is a complex piece of machinery and if it's exposed to the elements, it's liable to wear down and break apart – and this degradation tends to be more pronounced during winter, when the cold weather and moisture conspire to cause a range of problems.

Getting your car inspected thoroughly before the cold weather hits can be invaluable, and, in most cases, cost-effective in the long term. By being proactive when it comes to maintenance, you can save yourself the cost of a hefty repair bill.

Searching for car servicing near me is a good first step to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and you’re using a local service! But what about the preventative measures that you, as a driver, might take? Let's consider a few of the more effective ones:

Check Your Tyres

Tyres tend to suffer in cold weather. The cold weather can cause the rubber to become less pliant, which can affect how the vehicle handles. If the tread is shallow, then your car might also be more vulnerable to standing water – which can be more prevalent during winter.

Test the Battery

When the weather is cold, your battery is at greater risk of failing. This is because cold weather inhibits the chemical processes within the battery, and ultimately prevents it from holding a charge.

Unless you want to be stranded on a cold winter's morning, it's often a good idea to get the battery replaced before the worst of the cold weather arrives.

Top Up Your Fluids

Coolant, oil and screen washed should all be replaced and topped up in advance of winter. In many cases, you might wish to swap the fluid for one that's been formulated for cold weather. In the case of oil, you might look for varieties that will remain thin enough to provide adequate coverage, even when it's cold. Fail to do this, and your car might develop 'hot spots', where the coverage provided by the oil isn't sufficient to conduct heat away, or to reduce friction.

Inspect Lights and Wipers

 

During winter, daylight hours will be fewer, and precipitation will be more regular. As such, it's a good idea to test your lights and wipers. Both are designed to be replaced fairly frequently over the lifespan of the vehicle. Make a point of testing them, and of keeping a supply of spares to hand so that you can replace them when needed.