Chilly mornings, cool evenings, harsh winds and rainy days – yep, it is well and truly winter time.
You might not be surprised to learn that it’s not just us humans that often dislike the cold. While Australia definitely doesn’t get anywhere near as cold as some other countries do in winter, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your vehicle in top working condition for the remaining cold winter months.
Windscreen Wipers
Make sure your car’s windscreen wipers are in top working condition, as rainy winter days will be dangerous if you can’t see through your windshield properly. Worn windscreen wipers may leave streaks and marks on your windshield, so be sure to replace the wiper rubbers. Replacement wiper rubbers are fairly cheap to buy, and you can easily install them yourself.
Auto fluid
The fluid in your vehicle will not perform as well when they are exposed to the cold. That is because the winter temperatures will thicken up the liquids. That is why you want to make sure that your vehicle’s oil, power steering fluid, antifreeze coolant, brake fluid and transmissions fluids are in good shape. It will be hard for your vehicle to function properly if your vehicle’s fluids are too thick from the cold weather. Check your car fluids during your cold-weather auto service.
Car batteries
Cold months are hard on car batteries. The colder temps mean that the car’s fluids are thicker, and hence the battery uses more power to start the engine and get things moving. Conduct a check-up of your battery, and replace it if necessary. Posts and contact terminals should be spotless, with no signs of corrosion, and the battery voltage shouldn’t be running to low.
Sign up for roadside assistance
Nothing’s worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere in the middle of a cold, stormy night. If your insurance doesn’t include roadside assistance, consider a policy that does offer this service. You’ll be thankful should the worst happen.
Headlights
Dark mornings and evenings are another dangerous hazard in winter, so even though it seems like an obvious one, make sure your headlights and tail lights are all working properly.
In addition to making sure your car is in tip top condition, take extra care to practice safe driving while out on the roads. Don’t drive too close to cars in front of you in dark, stormy or foggy weather (slippery roads and reduced visibility can be a recipe for disaster), and make sure your tyres are fully inflated to the correct pressure with plenty of grip left in the rubber. Of course, regular car maintenance is the key to ensuring your car is in perfect working condition year-round.
Once your car is set for the cool weather, all that’s left to do is to pour yourself a nice hot coffee or thermos of soup to warm yourself up during these cold winter drives!
Chilly mornings, cool evenings, harsh winds and rainy days – yep, it is well and truly winter time.
You might not be surprised to learn that it’s not just us humans that often dislike the cold. While Australia definitely doesn’t get anywhere near as cold as some other countries do in winter, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your vehicle in top working condition for the remaining cold winter months.
Windscreen Wipers
Make sure your car’s windscreen wipers are in top working condition, as rainy winter days will be dangerous if you can’t see through your windshield properly. Worn windscreen wipers may leave streaks and marks on your windshield, so be sure to replace the wiper rubbers. Replacement wiper rubbers are fairly cheap to buy, and you can easily install them yourself.
Auto fluid
The fluid in your vehicle will not perform as well when they are exposed to the cold. That is because the winter temperatures will thicken up the liquids. That is why you want to make sure that your vehicle’s oil, power steering fluid, antifreeze coolant, brake fluid and transmissions fluids are in good shape. It will be hard for your vehicle to function properly if your vehicle’s fluids are too thick from the cold weather. Check your car fluids during your cold-weather auto service.
Car batteries
Cold months are hard on car batteries. The colder temps mean that the car’s fluids are thicker, and hence the battery uses more power to start the engine and get things moving. Conduct a check-up of your battery, and replace it if necessary. Posts and contact terminals should be spotless, with no signs of corrosion, and the battery voltage shouldn’t be running to low.
Sign up for roadside assistance
Nothing’s worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere in the middle of a cold, stormy night. If your insurance doesn’t include roadside assistance, consider a policy that does offer this service. You’ll be thankful should the worst happen.
Headlights
Dark mornings and evenings are another dangerous hazard in winter, so even though it seems like an obvious one, make sure your headlights and tail lights are all working properly.
In addition to making sure your car is in tip top condition, take extra care to practice safe driving while out on the roads. Don’t drive too close to cars in front of you in dark, stormy or foggy weather (slippery roads and reduced visibility can be a recipe for disaster), and make sure your tyres are fully inflated to the correct pressure with plenty of grip left in the rubber. Of course, regular car maintenance is the key to ensuring your car is in perfect working condition year-round.
Once your car is set for the cool weather, all that’s left to do is to pour yourself a nice hot coffee or thermos of soup to warm yourself up during these cold winter drives!
