How Your Car Can Survive Winter
Cold temperatures and icy roads can play havoc with our cars. On the road or sitting in the driveway – your car needs extra attention during the frigid winter months. Fortunately, you don’t have to sit idly by and wait for Old Man Winter to do a job on your vehicle; there are steps you can take to minimise the impact the season can have.
By following the steps, you can ensure your car is fit for service when the ice thaws and spring returns.
Keep a Full Tank
The engine is the driving force for your car, so it’s extra important to keep it in healthy condition. When the temperatures get bitingly low, make sure you keep your fuel tank as full as possible. The emptier it is, the greater the chance that water carried in the air will freeze on the inside, which can cause complicated issues.
Avoid Leaving the Engine Running
It’s a cold morning, you’re already running late, and your car is frozen inside and out. It’s tempting to turn on the engine and leave it running while you get ready inside, but don’t do it. Leaving an engine running idle once won’t cause too much damage (except it might possibly be stolen), but doing it frequently throughout winter can clog the catalytic converter and cause your car to run less efficiently.
Make sure lights are working properly
Winter light is the most troublesome condition to be driving in. It can be snowy, rainy, or foggy – sometimes all in the same day. Having well working headlights can be the difference between getting home unscathed and putting yourself at risk for minor accidents. Need greater visibility? Contact Smartway London.
Give it a Once Over Before the Cold
You don’t want to go into winter with a car that’s carrying a few niggling injuries. Give your car a check to ensure everything is working as it should be. This helps in two ways: it allows you to fix any problems that may be exacerbated by the cold, and it reduces the chances of breaking down and being stranded in the cold!
Need help with your vehicle? Contact us.
