5 Best Car Maintenance Tips for Winters

You need good amount of money not only to buy a car, but also to maintain it well. Since you already own one, you must deal with the challenges it comes with. The task becomes even harder in winters, as some car parts exposed to extreme cold weather can lose their effectiveness well before their time. Today, we are going to explain the best car maintenance tips for winters.

Type of Tires

To avoid accidentally crashing your car on the slippery roads this winter, and ensure better braking and turning, your car needs ‘Winter Tires’ or ’All Season Tires‘. Normally, car manufacturers install wider and low profile tires (unless the car is specifically made to drive on the snow and rain), making the balance of the car on snow or icy roads terrible. The recommended tread depth for a tire should be 3 mm (legal minimum is 1.6 mm). This would ensure more traction, control and better braking. Make sure you get the right tires from www.motor-doctor.co.uk.

Battery

The key to start a car is the battery (and the actual key of course, unless you have one with a push start button). Winter season does not suit the battery well, so you must take extra care. Normally, a battery lasts for 3-5 years, so you must keep a check when you last replaced your battery. It is recommended to get a volt test done from a repair shop (some do it for free) to check if the battery is in optimum condition. Moreover, you need to keep an eye on its water level.

Antifreeze

The antifreeze or the engine coolant is not only important in summers but also in winters. It keeps the engine cool during the summers and hot during the winters. The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anti-freeze mixed in equal amounts (50:50 ratio). Most gas stations sell pre-mixed coolants, so you do not have to go to the trouble of keeping a precise measure of the contents. Just make sure the coolant you use is compatible for your car’s engine.

Engine Oil Viscosity

As you’ve read through this article, we have primarily focused on the engine, because winter is generally tough on the engine and any damage to it is costly. Engine needs oil to function smoothly, but only with the right viscosity. To ensure smooth movement of the metal parts and avoid overheating, the oil must have low viscosity. Winter causes the oil to become thick so it is better to get it checked. You can also consult the owner’s manual to know about the type of oil your car requires for a specific season.

Car Emergency Kit

This does not come under maintenance tips but is surely handy for motorists driving in winter. The travels in chilly conditions can be troublesome if you get stuck in a rural or an unsettled area. Things that can be useful for that time include washer fluid engine oil, fuel for your car and an extra tire that can come handy. Besides, there are other things that you need to stock your car emergency kit with. Have a blanket to combat the cold weather, a flash light, knife and a first-aid kit. Your phone should be fully charged plus you need a battery bank and a charging cable that can be connected to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.