Simple maintenance to minimise potential problems

•    Lights
•    Battery
•    Tyres
•    Wipers
•    Coolant

Whatever the time of year, but particularly in the winter, when it’s often dark, cold and wet, car problems can be stressful and an unnecessary cause for concern. However, in addition to the wise and responsible precaution of having it professionally serviced at least once a year, there are also simple things that you can do that will reduce the likelihood of your car letting you down just when you need it the most.

 

Lights

Although you can’t tell in advance when any of the lights on your car will fail, checking them regularly is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to ensuring your driving safety and the that of the road users around you.

So, check them all: side lights and headlights, for both main beam and dip, but also the indicators (including the hazard function) and numberplate lights, as well as the interior lights and even the boot light! However, checking the brake lights isn’t easy to do on your own, so get someone to help you with them.

Another sensible action, even if you wash your car regularly, is to rinse off the road grime that accumulates on the surface of all the lenses, both front and rear, at least once a week, particularly during the winter.
 

Battery

A flat or failing battery is the most common cause of breakdowns throughout Europe, and when the weather gets cold, a battery can lose up to a third of its power, so it’s another thing that is made worse during the winter.

However, charging your battery, even just once a month, is a great way to minimise the chance of finding yourself with a battery related problem.

Modern battery chargers are not expensive and are simple to use, which is made that much easier with their smart technology, that provides reverse polarity protection and means that, if necessary, they can be left connected for a prolonged period, such as when you go on holiday, for example.
 

Tyres

Checking the condition of your tyres is important all year round, as they are the only part of your car that’s in contact with anything!

Having the correct tyre pressure not only saves you money as it increases your car’s fuel efficiency, it also ensures that it is both comfortable and predictable when you’re on the move.

However, the tread depth is also a critically important factor, as that is what the tyres use to clear the water from the road surface to give you enough grip when it’s wet. So, never compromise and replace them when the minimum level is approaching.
 

Wipers

Checking the condition of your tyres is important all year round, as they are the only part of your car that’s in contact with anything!

Having the correct tyre pressure not only saves you money as it increases your car’s fuel efficiency, it also ensures that it is both comfortable and predictable when you’re on the move.

However, the tread depth is also a critically important factor, as that is what the tyres use to clear the water from the road surface to give you enough grip when it’s wet. So, never compromise and replace them when the minimum level is approaching.

 

Coolant

Otherwise known as antifreeze, the coolant is the fluid that circulates around the engine and through the radiator to both prevent your car from overheating as you drive, and to provide the heat you rely on to clear the inside of the windows and keep you warm when it’s cold outside.

Although it must be checked when the engine is cold, so before you set out on a journey, it’s generally easy to check because the fluid is usually a distinctive colour, which can be clearly seen through the transparent material of the tank that holds it, so just make sure that it’s between the minimum and maximum levels.

However, if it needs topping up, never do so when the engine is hot, because the system becomes pressurised as the engine warms up, so opening it when it’s hot can cause injury as it will be under pressure and scoldingly hot!

 

Although these maintenance tips are relatively simple and straightforward to follow and the details of where to look and what the specific requirements are will be stated in your owner’s manual, if you are in any doubt, seek the advice of a professional technician, who will be happy to help you.