Get your vehicle cold-weather ready

Winter can be tough on vehicles and on drivers. Sluggish batteries to slippery roads, winter brings a new set of challenges for drivers. A little preparation now can save you from the headaches (and repair bills) later. That’s why it is essential to ensure your car is ready for the season ahead.

At Traynors, we care about keeping you safe and your vehicle running smoothly. Here’s our essential checklist to get you winter ready.

1.        Test your battery

Cold weather drains battery power, if your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before the first freeze. Look for corrosion around the terminals and make sure connections are snug.

Pro Tip: Consider keeping jump cables or a portable jump starter in your boot, just in case.

2.        Tyres

Your tyres are your cars only contact with the road, so make sure they’re up for the job.

• Thread depth: ensure you have at least 3-4 mm of thread for safe winter driving.

• Tyre pressure: Cold air reduces PSI – check and adjust weekly.

• Consider winter tyres for better grip on icy or snowy roads.

If you need a spare, Traynors has a great selection of quality used tyres that are tested, inspected and ready to roll.

3.       Top up your fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car – and winter demands the right mix.

• Engine oil: Consider a winter grade oil that flows better in the cold.

• Coolant/Antifreeze: make sure you have the right mix to prevent freezing.

• Check your brakes and transmission fluids, better to be safe than sorry.

4.       Visibility

Visibility can drop quickly in winter, so prep your car.

• Replace old or streaky wiper blades

• Clean both in and outside of your windows to reduce fogging.

• Keep an ice scrapper or de-icer spray in the car.

• Ensure that your heater is working properly before hitting the road.

5.       Keep your fuel tank and fluids topped up

Try not to let your tank drop below half, this helps prevent fuel line freeze ups and ensures you have enough fuel to stay warm if you’re caught in traffic or an emergency.

6.        Drive with winter caution

A few extra precautions can make winter driving much safer:

• Accelerate and brake slowly to maintain traction.

• Increase your following distance. Stopping takes longer on ice.

• Avoid cruise control on slippery roads.

• Keep roadside assistance info handy.

7.        Smart parking

If possible, park in a garage to protect your car from frost and ice. For outdoor parking, use a windshield cover or snow blanket overnight. Avoid parking under trees, falling branches can cause serious damage.

Final thoughts

A little winter prep can go a long way towards keeping you safe and saving money. Whether you need a replacement part, spare tyre or just some friendly advice, Traynors is here to help. Visit us for quality used car parts, expert guidance and honest service, all year long.