Top tips to prepare your car for winter

It’s getting freezing out there now in the UK and there’s no time like the present to consider preparing your car for winter driving. Whether it’s icy roads or snow drifting in, you always need to keep your car maintained for all eventualities, so we’ve put together a selection of our top tips to ensure that your car remains safe and reliable on the road during these winter months.

car snow vw beetle

Top up or replace the antifreeze engine coolant

If you haven’t checked your engine coolant for a while or replaced it, now’s the time to make sure that there’s new antifreeze inside with a ratio of 60 parts antifreeze to 40 parts water – always check your car manufacturer’s recommendations and the antifreeze product itself. This will then help prevent your engine from ceasing up in cold temperatures.

Old car battery struggling? Get it replaced

Colder temperatures will increase the strain put on your car’s battery, especially considering you’ll be using heaters, lights and wipers more often during winter. Ensure that your battery remains properly charged if not always in use. If it’s been over 3 years since your last battery change then you may need to consider a new battery before it’s too late. No one likes changing a battery in freezing temperatures!

Streaky windscreen? Time to change those wiper blades

Damaged windscreen wipers can cause misery to you when you’re driving in wintery conditions. Make sure you replace any wiper blades which are beginning to cause streaks when in use before it’s too late and you find your visibility on the road is compromised. They’re usually the cheapest product to replace on the car and take a few minutes to change.

Check tyre treads and replace if not suitable for winter

You may not want to splash out on new winter tyres (excuse the pun) but having a good check of your current tyre tread depths to see if they’re suitable is a must before venturing out on potentially icy roads. Many tyres are all weather but if you’re going to extremes driving through snow drifts a sensible option may be dedicated winter tyres.

Working car lights are essential in winter

It’s obvious but you’d be amazed how many people forget to check their car lights on their car before they venture out on the roads. Make sure that your lights are all working and that you have clear visibility. Sometimes older cars can get condensation inside the headlights reducing visibility so speak to your garage about getting them replaced.

Check under the bonnet for wear and tear in winter

It may have been a while since you checked underneath the bonnet and now is a great time to do so. Not only may you find plenty of leaves from autumn stuck in vents and drains which you need to clear but also have a look for any signs of wear to the belts and hoses around the engine. Should any of these look slightly suspicious save yourself a headache and get them checked out at your local garage.

Heating and defroster working?

Now we all like to keep warm in our vehicles when we are driving during winter but finding the heater is underpowered or faulty, or that the window defrosters aren’t all working can be devastating and dangerous. Before you set off on your journey, ensure every heater and window defroster is working, otherwise you’ll lose visibility on the road.

Give your car a winter health check with MCM Garage in Bath

Here at MCM Garage near Bath, Radstock and Midsomer Norton we’d be happy to give your car a winter health check if you’re experiencing difficulties and can event service or MOT your vehicle if it’s due at the same time. Why not give us a call today on 01761 415 501 to book an appointment or schedule a car service via our online contact form. We look forward to seeing you.