Winter Car Checks: How to Get Your Car Ready for the Cold

Why winter causes more breakdowns

Cold weather is hard on cars. Batteries lose capacity, oil thickens, rubber stiffens and dark mornings put your lights to work every day. Problems that went unnoticed all summer tend to show themselves on the first frosty morning.

A few simple checks in the autumn can save you a breakdown in a car park in January.

Battery

Batteries typically last three to five years. If your car has been slower to turn over, or the battery is original on a car several years old, get it tested before the cold arrives. A tired battery that copes in summer will often give up when the temperature drops.

Coolant and antifreeze

Your coolant protects the engine from freezing as well as overheating. Check the level in the expansion tank with the engine cold, and top up with the correct type for your car. We can test the antifreeze strength to make sure it is protected for a proper cold snap.

Tyres

The legal limit is 1.6mm, but grip on wet and icy roads falls away well before that. Many drivers choose to replace at around 3mm going into winter. Check pressures monthly, because they drop in cold weather.

Wipers, washers and lights

Replace wiper blades that smear or judder, and use a proper screenwash that will not freeze rather than plain water. Walk round the car and check every light, and clean lenses regularly, as road grime cuts light output noticeably.

A service before winter

If your car is due a service, autumn is a good time to have it done. We check the battery, coolant, brakes, tyres, lights and wipers as part of it and will tell you honestly if anything needs attention before the bad weather. Call us in Oldbury on 0121 544 3736 to book.