Prepare your car for winter
Navigating fog, slick roads and heavy rain can make driving in winter a tricky task. And, while driving to the weather conditions is important, getting to your destination safely starts before you even leave your driveway.
In the video below, RAA Car Advice Manager Andrew Clark explains what you need to check before you hit the road this winter.
Once you’ve watched the video, scroll down to read more about how you can prepare your car for winter.
1. Tyres
Tyres are the only link between your vehicle and the road, but if they don’t have enough tread or not correctly inflated you could be putting your safety at risk, particularly on wet and slippery winter roads.
The tread on a tyre helps disperse water on the road surface to help provide better contact with the road. If your tyres are bald or the tread is deteriorating, you risk aquaplaning, skidding, or slipping on wet roads.
Mr Clark says new tyres have about 8mm of tread, which slowly wears down due to friction and impact with the road.
“We recommend you change your tyres when the tread gets to about 2mm, but the minimum legal depth is 1.5mm,” Mr Clark says.
“When checking, look across the entire surface of the tyre, making sure there’s enough tread.
“It’s also important to check your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.”
If your tyres are under inflated, they can cause your vehicle to pull to one side and impact the steering. Meanwhile, over-inflated tyres can cause problems like uneven tread or a blow-out.
2. Windscreen wipers
Picture this, you’re driving and there’s a sudden downpour. You flick on the windscreen wipers, and they let out a loud screech as they scrape along the glass. The windscreen has smudges and streaks of water across it, making it difficult for you to see where you’re going.
“This is a dangerous situation that could be avoided by quickly inspecting your wipers before leaving the driveway,” says Mr Clark.
Run your hands along the wiper blades, checking for any cracks. If they’re dried out, it’s probably time to replace them.
When purchasing windscreen wiper blades, find ones made from good-quality rubber. You might need to spend a little more, but they’ll perform better and last longer.
If you’re unsure how to replace windscreen wiper blades check with your favourite auto parts retailer as many will install the blades if you buy the replacements from them.
3. Windscreen
While you’re checking the windscreen wipers, grab a bucket of water and a cloth, and give the glass a clean. Dirt, sand and other grime can all cause your windscreen wipers to squeak, but more seriously, they may scratch the glass as they rub against it. That’s not the only reason to clean your windscreen during the cooler months.
It’s also just as important to clean the inside of the windscreen because an oily film often forms, restricting visibility, particularly in wet or glary conditions.
RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says glare created by grime and light can be dangerous when driving.
“If the glass is dirty, the windscreen is more likely to fog up and reduce a driver’s visibility,” Mr Mountain says.
When it’s foggy, dust particles make it easier for the moisture in the air to hang on, which is why a dusty windshield will fog up faster than a clean windshield.
Do you want a streak-free windscreen? Check out our video here.
4. Lights
During winter, there are less daylight hours, so it’s likely you will be driving when there’s less visibility or it’s dark.
Before you hit the road, check your taillights, brake lights, indicators and headlights are working properly.
Headlights provide you with maximum visibility, particularly when it’s wet or foggy. Make sure the lights function correctly on all settings, and if they’re dirty wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Your taillights let other people on the road know when you’re braking or turning. If these aren’t working correctly, you may get in serious trouble, especially when driving in fog or heavy rain. The motorist behind you needs to know when you’re hitting the brake, so they can brake as well.
Mr Clark says you may need a friend to help when checking your brake and reversing lights and rear indicators.
“If you don’t have anyone to help check your taillights, reverse up the driveway and look at the reflection in the garage door,” Mr Clark says. “You can also use a shop window to see if the lights are all in good working order.”
5. Engine oil
Under the bonnet, be sure to 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.