A winter ready car

The cold weather is on its way…. is your car winter ready?

The wintry weather has an impact on our cars at a time when we need them the most. The first hints of wild wet weather, the first hint of frost or flurries of snow tells us that car maintenance should not be put off or delayed. Before winter we should all prepare for tougher driving conditions by doing a few simple things to get our vehicles in tip top winter condition.

Battery and electrics

There is more pressure on the battery and the cars electrics during the colder months, as lights, heaters and wipers all drain the energy levels. A battery on an internal combustion engine vehicle will generally last about 5 years. If you think your battery is coming to the end of its life, it might be wise to let your mechanic test it and replace it if necessary. With an electric car, the battery will run down quicker in wintertime. The Norwegian Automobile Federation say that cold temperatures can reduce an unplugged EV's range by about 20 percent. We guess that they would have a lot of experience of cars in colder weather! They also warn that recharging takes longer in winter and that running the cabin heater, seat heaters, defroster, and other accessories inside the car that combat the chilly weather will also reduce range. EV drivers will need to be conscious of this on long trips where the distance between charging stations could be an issue. If the battery level does go low as you drive, avoid running the radio, the fan, the heater (sorry!) and keep the acceleration low until you reach a charging station. Callouts for EV cars with depleted batteries are reportedly on the rise, but that long wait for rescue at the roadside can be avoided with a little planning.

Antifreeze.

 Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze or coolant. If you get regular servicing on your car, the checking and topping up of coolant/antifreeze is something that all good garages take care of. If it has been a while between checks, you should take a look at the levels and consult the vehicles handbook or ask a dealer for advice on which anti-freeze to use. Electric cars use coolant or antifreeze but if the quantity of fluid in the cooling system drops below the recommended level, the touchscreen displays a warning message, and you will have ample time to replenish.

Tyres    

Tyres need good tread for the winter months. We would recommend 3mm and no less than 2mm, which is above the legal requirement of 1.6mm, but it will give that extra grip. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly too. There is no law in Ireland that states you should or should not use winter tyres. For the most part, our weather does not dictate the use of tyres with such a deep thread. If you are driving in higher ground or likely to meet harsher weather and wish to install a set of snow tyres, it is important to always install a full set of four. To do otherwise, increases the risks of over and under steer. Winter and all-season tyres have a higher amount of silica in the tread. This gives good grip in wet conditions and prevents hardening in cold weather. Once the possibility of snow is over, the winter tyres should come off and replaced by all-season or summer tyres. You can learn more about tyres here https://www.peterhanleymotors.ie/article/tyres-bad-road-surfaces-and-safe-driving

Lights and Windscreens

A lot of motorists forget that wiper blades wear out and not until a screeching drag of snowflakes makes their early morning drive a misery, do they realise the importance of these little rubber blades. Check your wipers. On those mornings when ice has frozen the windscreen, do not be tempted to drive away with a tiny patch of defrosted screen. A suitable screen wash added to your windscreen water in the car will help it defrost faster and deter the quick formation of ice. No matter how late you are, take the time to clear all the snow and ice and thoroughly demist the interior of your windscreen. It is illegal to drive the car without full visibility. It’s also a bit dangerous!  it's illegal to drive with anything less than full visibility.   We all use our headlights night and morning as the daylight hours fade mid-winter. Check that all your bulbs are working and are aligned properly. If you have been driving in particularly nasty weather or rough, muddy tracks, remember to give the lights a good cleaning before setting out on the cold winter roads again. Windscreen cracks and chips that appear minor in the summer sun can change rapidly as the temperature does. Windscreen repair is often covered by your insurance and now would be a good time to attend to any chips or imperfections.

Breakdowns

No matter how we prepare, sometimes a breakdown will happen. Punctures and battery failure are the most common reasons for calling the breakdown rescue truck. Be prepared for such occasions. A warning triangle, a blanket or jacket, snacks, a first aid kit, spare bulbs, de icer and scraper, torch and jump leads can all be part of a breakdown emergency kit in the car. Read more about breakdowns here