What Car Maintenance Should I Do in Winter?
Winter temperatures across Australia can vary greatly. For many, it can get quite cold and this is not only felt by you believe it or not, your car also responds to the change in temperature too!
Taking the time to do some simple, winter vehicle maintenance can make all the difference, assisting to keep it in good working order.
Assess tyre condition
In many parts of Australia winter brings wet weather, which can make road conditions increasingly dangerous. Now is the time to assess the condition of your tyres. If they are worn, damaged or old they pose a significant safety risk.
The legal minimum tread limit in Australia is 1.5mm. As your tyres wear down your vehicle handling characteristics change, affecting your ability to effectively brake, corner and disperse water. Driving on bald tyres dramatically increases your chances of aquaplaning on wet roads.
Assess the tread depth of your tyres either by looking at the tread wear indicator located in the tread grooves at regular intervals around the tyre, or by using a tread depth indicator. You can purchase one from your local car parts store and it’s small enough to keep in your glovebox.
If now is the time for new tyres, your local Bestdrive store supplies and fits a great range of leading brands, including Continental, Kumho, Hifly, BFGoodrich and Mickey Thompson.
Assess the car battery
Winter can place additional stress on your car battery as the cold weather means that it needs to work harder in order to generate the same energy as it would during warmer weather.
As a result, taking the time to assess the condition of your battery, and knowing how old your battery is, could make the difference between a battery that does or doesn’t start your car one cold winter morning!
Generally speaking, a car battery has a service life of between 3 to 5 years. Factors such as the climate you live in and your driving habits will have an impact on the life of your car battery.
If you are unsure how to check the age of your battery, or think that it needs testing, contact your local BestDrive store for assistance. Our knowledgeable team can assess the condition of your car battery and advise if a new one is needed.
Check the engine oil
The cold temperatures experienced in winter can cause your engine oil to move slower through the engine. If this is the case with your engine, then you may want to consider switching to a synthetic oil.
Synthetic engine oils can provide more protection as they typically move easier in the colder weather. It is important to note however that switching to a synthetic oil depends entirely on the age of your vehicle and the type of oil your vehicle manufacturer recommends.
Before making any changes to the type of engine oil you use, be sure to refer to the owner’s manual, or speak with one of the professionals at your local BestDrive store for advice.
Windscreen maintenance
It goes without saying that good visibility is essential to your on-road safety. The colder winter months often create a foggy windscreen but you needn’t put up with the issue. There are a few simple things that you can do, which include:
- Using the defroster
- Purchasing a windscreen polish at a local car parts store
- Ensuring your AC system is in good working order
Functional windscreen wipers are also a must. Wiper blades deteriorate over time due to environmental factors and through general use. You will typically find that wiper blades require replacing every 6 to 12 months.
If you notice that your wiper blades are no longer making contact with the windshield surface, or are beginning to squeak, chatter, skip, smear and streak then now may be the time to replace them.
Protect the car’s exterior
Giving your car a thorough wash and wax before the winter weather well and truly sets in can help to protect the paintwork, particularly from rust, which can occur in the wetter weather.
It is also a good idea to give the exterior of your vehicle a quick visual inspection. Inspect your headlights and brake lights to ensure that they aren’t becoming dim, or not working at all. Dim or uneven lighting should be immediately addressed to ensure that you are seen, and can see on the road.
Ensure that your car is operating safely and efficiently this winter. If you notice that something needs addressing, {{contactLinkPage}} to make a booking. Your local BestDrive store offers a range of services, including battery servicing, new tyre fitment, and wheel alignment and balancing.
BestDrive. You drive, we care.