It’s common for vehicles to have reduced performance over the winter. If you’re not careful, the cold weather could have a significant impact on your vehicle’s safety and longevity.

As temperatures drop, various components are susceptible to strain, potentially leading to issues that can compromise both performance and safety. To avoid risking any vehicle complications during the winter, take a look at our comprehensive guide to taking care of your vehicle during the colder months. 

We’ve got you covered to ensure a smooth and trouble-free driving experience despite the winter challenges.

1. Engine and Battery Maintenance

The drop in temperature can make starting your car a daunting task in the winter. The battery has to work harder to start the car when it is cold because its capacity is reduced. So, we’d recommend that it’s a good idea to have your battery tested for capacity before the temperature drops.

This might be why you notice more car breakdowns over the winter.

Your vehicle’s engine might also take a hit in the winter due to various reasons. One reason is that cold temperatures cause fluids, especially oil, to thicken. When oil thickens, it makes it harder for the engine to turn over. This puts additional strain on your engine during the startup and could damage it over time.

Another reason you might notice implications with your engine is due to your vehicle’s tyres. Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop which can put further strain on the engine. This is because underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, and also impacts fuel efficiency. 

That moves us onto our next point about tyres.

2. Tyre Health in Icy Conditions

As mentioned previously, the cold weather can decrease tyre pressure when not moving, and increase when the car is moving. Be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly. If not, it can shorten the life of your tyre through uneven wear and could even blowout on the road.

As well as tyre pressure, winter roads demand more from your tyres. A top tip for protecting your tyres from icy conditions is to consider switching to winter tyres. These tyres are designed for icy and snowy conditions as they have a different tread pattern and rubber composition. This provides better grip and traction in cold weather.

Check out RAC for more information on winter tyres.

3. Cooling System Maintenance

Your car’s cooling system doesn’t take a break in the winter. In fact, it’s important it works properly to ensure regulation of the running temperature of the vehicle. 

Just like the other fluids in your vehicle, your radiator coolant (antifreeze) needs to be maintained at a proper level. To inspect the radiator level, make sure the vehicle is turned off and has fully cooled down. Also, if you notice the fluid looks dark/dirty or smells burned, it may be time to replace it.

Coolant leaks can also be common in the winter. If you notice a leak that is a bright yellow/green colour, make sure to get this checked out by an expert as soon as possible to get it fixed.

4. Winter-Ready Wipers and Fluids

Navigating winter roads requires clear visibility. That’s why making sure your window wipers and fluids are in good condition is paramount.

Top Tip: Never use your wipers on a frozen windscreen. Turning on your wipers when it’s frozen can cause a tear or split in the rubber.

Check out Kwik Fit’s guide to looking after your windscreen wipers all year round.

You might also consider switching to a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that contains antifreeze. This prevents the fluid from freezing on your windshield, ensuring clear visibility even in freezing temperatures.

5. Winter Waxing and Paint Care Tips

Did you know that cold weather and road salt can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior? If you’re in the position to do so, you might consider winter waxing your vehicle.

Winter waxing acts as a shield against the harsh elements, forming a protective layer that guards your car’s paintwork from snow, salt, and freezing temperatures. We recommend applying a high-quality winter wax before the cold sets in. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle but also prevents potential damage caused by road salts and icy conditions. 

Regular winter waxing creates a barrier that makes it easier to wash away road debris and maintains your car’s shine throughout the season.

6. Advice on Heating Systems

Imagine if your heating broke in the middle of winter. It would make for a very painful commute to work, that’s for sure. 

If you’re worried about your heating systems over the winter, start by having your heater, defroster, and thermostat inspected to guarantee efficient operation. A functioning heating system not only keeps you warm but also contributes to your vehicle’s overall performance. 

Another point to note, if you notice any issues with uneven heating or strange noises when the heater is on, promptly address them to avoid potential breakdowns in the freezing cold.

As the temperature drops, you may need to take extra care of your vehicle. From checking your tyres and vehicle fluids, to ensuring your cooling and heating system are in good condition, and even thinking about your vehicle’s exterior, it’s a good idea to make those additional checks during the winter.

Keeping your car in good condition is not only about maintaining its appearance, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring its long-term performance, reliability, and safety. 

Your car is a significant investment, and looking after it properly can help to maximise its lifespan, retain its value, and save you from costly repairs down the line. Taking the time to prioritise regular maintenance and care can go a long way in preserving the functionality and overall condition of your car. 

That’s why we’ve put together 8 top tips for keeping your car in good condition, to help in the long-term.

1. Regular Maintenance & Servicing

Regular maintenance helps to prevent issues and ensures that your car’s components are functioning as they should be.

This includes checking your car’s fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to component damage and affect the performance of your vehicle. You should be checking your oil every couple of weeks, and always before a long car journey.

It’s also important to stick to a regular service schedule. A service looks at the general wear and tear of the car, including:

• Engine Oil and Filter
• Fluid and Coolant Levels
• Brakes
• Tyres
• Battery and Charging System
• Lights and Electrical System
• Air Filter
• Suspension and Steering
• Exhaust System
• Safety Checks

 

Check out the AA for a complete guide to servicing.

 

2. Keep it Clean

Did you know that keeping your car clean can actually extend its life? That’s right, there’s more to cleaning your car than keeping it shiny! A regular clean can extend your car’s lifespan and preserve the value of your vehicle.

Some things you can do to clean your car include:

• Regularly wash and wax to protect the paintwork from dirt, grime, and environmental contaminants
• Clean the interior regularly to prevent stains, odours, and wear. 
• Vacuum the carpets
• Wipe down surfaces (using appropriate cleaning products for different materials)

 

As well as some basic cleaning, a yearly polish is also recommended as it provides a layer of protection and prevents rust from spreading.

 

 

3. Drive Consistently

Leaving your vehicle for long periods of time without driving can significantly impact its health.

When your car is not driven for a while, it puts the battery at risk of going flat. There really are no positives of your battery dying, as it means potentially jump-starting your vehicle. When this happens, it puts an additional strain on the battery and can actually damage the engine management system.

Did you know that the cold temperature affects a car’s battery life significantly too? This means you’ll definitely want to keep driving your vehicle more regularly over the winter months. Read more about how the temperature affects your car’s battery here.

 

4. Drive Smoothly

It might sound obvious, but the way you drive your vehicle can also have an impact on its condition. 

Be mindful of the road ahead and avoid aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding. These actions put unnecessary stress on your car’s components, leading to increased wear and reduced longevity. Instead you should opt for smooth, gradual acceleration and deceleration to reduce any risk of damage to your motor.

 

5. Check Your Tyres

Underinflated and overinflated tyres can affect the condition of your car and also cost you in fuel consumption!

So, it’s important to keep an eye on your tyre pressure and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels to avoid any problems. The correct pressure improves fuel efficiency and the lifespan of your tyre. It’s a good idea to check the pressure every month and before long trips. This will save you from long-term costs.

6. Keep Your Vehicle Light

Any unnecessary weight in your vehicle can put a strain on things like your tyres, brakes and suspension.

Not only that, the heavier your vehicle the higher the emissions you’re putting out there. The average petrol car in the UK produced the equivalent of 170.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre in 2022. However, the heavier the car, the more CO2 emissions it emits. 

Simple things like clearing out the boot and door pockets of any unnecessary items can keep your vehicle’s weight lighter. 

 

7. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

Keeping your fuel at a sensible level and not letting it get too low is essential to keeping your car running smoothly.

When you’re running low on petrol, the fuel pump will start to draw in various bits of debris and sediment that’s stuck at the bottom of the fuel tank. Of course, any unwanted materials are not going to do any good to your car. More specifically, debris can cause clogging and eventually damage the vehicle and stop it from starting.

So, keeping the tank fuel is an easy way to prevent any potential internal damage.

8. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

When a warning light suddenly comes on, never ignore it! 

Warning lights are designed to alert you of any potential issues or malfunctions in your vehicle that require immediate attention. They might suddenly appear for various reasons, such as overheating, tyre pressure, oil pressure, and electrical system faults.

Ignoring warning lights can lead to small issues escalating into major problems. What might have been a simple and affordable repair initially could turn into a costly repair or even result in irreparable damage. 

If the warning light is about something serious, it could also put yourself and any passengers at risk of an accident or injury. So it’s vital to take these seriously and never ignore them.

 

There’s much more to keeping your car in good condition than just keeping it nice and shiny! By following simple steps, like regular maintenance, checking your tyres, keeping your fuel tank full, and driving smoothly, you could really make a difference in keeping your car running efficiently in the long-run!