Is your car ready for winter?
Winter has hit with all its force and there’s more wet, windy weather on its way. Is your car ready?
Inclement winter weather, like heavy rain, hail and strong winds can make driving a tense and tricky task.
Getting to your destination safely starts before you leave the driveway.
In the video below, RAA Car Advice Manager Andrew Clark explains what you need to do before you leave home now it’s winter.
Your winter car checklist
1. Check your tyres
Make sure your tyres have enough tread and they’re correctly inflated. The tread on the tyre helps disperse water on the road surface and provide better contact with the asphalt.
New tyres have about 8mm of tread which wears away over time. RAA recommends you change your tyres at 2mm while the minimum legal depth is 1.5mm.
2. Inspect your windscreen wipers
Run your hands along the wiper blades, checking for any cracks. If they’re dried out, its time to replace them. When purchasing windscreen wipers, look for ones made from good-quality rubber.
3. Wash your windscreen
Grab a bucket of water and a cloth and clean both the outside and inside of your windscreen.
Dirt, sand and other grime can make your wipers squeak and scratch the glass.
Oily film often forms on the windscreen, which can reduce visibility, particularly in wet or glary conditions.
4. Are your lights working?
Before you hit the road, check your taillights, brake lights and headlights are working properly.
Make sure your headlights are working correctly on all settings, and if they’re dirty wipe them down with a damp cloth.
5. Look under the bonnet
Check the engine oil. Modern vehicles require thinner grades of oil, so it circulates quickly and reaches components inside the engine when the car starts, particularly on cold mornings.
Follow your car’s servicing schedule and make sure the oil is changed regularly. This will ensure the oil remains in good condition and protects your engine during the colder months.