Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Winter is rapidly approaching, and depending on where in Australia you are, wind, ice, and sleet will be in hot pursuit.

If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, then driving can become a real challenge. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your car in tip-top condition, no matter what the weather is doing.

While snow and ice may be rare in most parts of the country, it can and does come every so often. If you plan on travelling to mountainous regions or ski resorts in your car, then to be prepared is to be protected.

Follow these ten simple tips to ensure your vehicle survives the onslaught of winter and makes it through to summer in perfect condition.

1. Show The Exterior Some Love

It’s what’s inside that counts, but appearances matter too. You want your car to be functional but at the same time, look good.

Spend a little bit of time to scrub away any excess dirt and occasional stains. This goes deeper than just looks though. It helps protect your vehicle from corrosion, pollutants and chemical erosion.

2. Consider Changing Your Oil

When you think of winter car maintenance, oil is probably not the first thing that springs to mind. The benefits of switching from conventional to synthetic oil are many.

Depending on the car make and model, now may well be the perfect time to make the switch. Synthetic oil is much easier on the engine and generally contributes to better function in cold, extreme weather.

3. Boost Your Battery

Perhaps you’re not aware of it yet, but that scorching summer heat-wave might have taken its toll on your car’s battery. You won’t know until the first cold winter morning comes around, and you realise that you’re dealing with an unresponsive engine.

Make sure that you test your battery and that you replace it if needed. Sooner or later, your car battery will need a check up, which is why this is better done sooner rather than later. No one needs a dead battery in the middle of winter.

4. Visibility is crucial

Visibility is always important, but even more so during winter. Fog, mist and rain can all cause visibility problems that make driving more dangerous.

The first thing you will want to do is ensure that all of your lights are working. Next, replace any headlights or tail lights that appear dim or have a dull yellow look to them. Thoroughly clean the lights and lenses as you go.

5. Inspect Your Tyres

Tyres with good traction can save lives. Check your tyres and make sure that the treads have sufficient depth. If they don’t, replace them for ones that do.

Better traction contributes to a much safer driving experience. It also means it’s easier to deal with dangerous road conditions. If you get a lot of ice or snow in your region or, plan on travelling to a region that does, it may be a good idea to invest in snow tyres.

6. Antifreeze Control

An engine’s cooling system consists of equal parts of water and antifreeze. The chemicals present in antifreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) prevent water from freezing or expanding, both of which can cause significant damage to the engine.

An antifreeze checker can measure your antifreeze’s strength. Alternatively, you can have it checked by a mechanic. The test will reveal the lowest temperature the engine can reach before it begins to freeze.

7. Clean Your Fuel Injector

A vehicle’s fuel system is easily affected by cold temperatures. By using a fuel injector cleaner, you can prevent some of these problems from happening.

Think of a fuel injector as the ultimate problem-prevention tool. You add it to the fuel tank as a way of cleaning the injectors, restoring any lost power and providing considerable help with hard starts.

8. Take Care With Diesel

Winter is a bit trickier for vehicles that run on diesel. Diesel fuel lines tend to “gel” up when the paraffin that is present in the fuel solidifies due to sudden drops in temperature.

To fix this mess, you’d most likely have to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have the gel thawed. Emergency power service products can de-ice frozen fuel filters and remove water from diesel tanks.

9. Low Price To De-Ice

Keeping your engine hot and ice-free is crucial. An engine is of no use if your doors and locks remain jammed shut and you can’t get into your car.

Lock de-icers and windshield fluids are inexpensive and easy-to-use. Lock de-icers help prevent damage by thawing and lubricating door locks. It takes less than 5 minutes to use one of these de-icers, and it’s certainly more than worth your trouble.

10. Check Your Radiator And Thermostat

The radiator cap is a simple and inexpensive part but is of vital importance to your heating and cooling system. It keeps the antifreeze in place and prevents leakage. A faulty radiator cap can cause overheating and allow antifreeze to leak.

Inspect the area thoroughly and ensure that there’s no leaking fluid. Even if everything looks okay, consider replacing your radiator cap with a new one if it’s more than a few years old.