TOP 5 MOST COMMON VEHICLE PROBLEMS DURING WINTER

When the weather gets much colder in the winter, keeping your hands warm isn’t the only problem you need to think about.

In fact, according to AXA, there are 36% more flat tyres in the winter and a 51% chance that your car battery will experience issues.

To help keep your vehicle on the road, we’ve put together some common signs you may find and ways to prevent them.

1. Tyre pressure

As it gets colder, your tyre pressure is going to drop. Even if your tyres were pumped up when you last checked them and there are no leaks, the pressure will go down. Check them at least every fortnight and pump them up if they need it.

While you’re at it, check your tread depth as well. You can find out more about this by looking at our guide.

2. Freezing fluids

If the fluids are freezing under your car bonnet, it can do some real damage and leave you with a hefty repair bill!

The usual suspects are screenwash and antifreeze. Make sure they’re both topped up with a mix that will stay in liquid form even in the coldest temperatures.

3. Windscreen wipers

Scraping the ice off your windows isn’t the end of the world, but if your wipers are frozen to the screen as well, you might find yourself waiting for a lift!

If your car has automatic wipers (lucky you!) check they’re turned off before you turn on the engine, and free up your wipers when you scrape the windows.

To prevent it altogether, use a frost guard or windscreen shield and tuck them under your wipers. These will stop your windscreen freezing overnight, so you can just pull them off in the morning.

4. Windows and doors frozen shut

If your windows are frozen shut, the best thing to do is to wait for your car to warm up. If your car locks have frozen, use a lock de-icer. (Just make sure that you don’t leave it in the car!)

If your doors are frozen shut, don’t yank on the handle as it could break off. Instead, use a de-icer around the door to defrost it before you try opening it.

5. Battery problems

If your car struggles to start in the winter, it’s probably a problem related to the battery. Cold temperatures are hard on batteries, especially since people tend to be powering things like heaters and lights at the same time!

If your car is struggling to start, try turning off all the electrics and dipping the clutch when you turn the key. Then, head over to Quality Auto & body, where we can test the battery and alternator and fit a new battery if needed.