How to Avoid Damaging Your Family Car This Winter

This year, we should expect to experience blistering cold and possibly a bout of snow in the UK and whilst, for some, a white winter can be a fun side effect, especially if you’re out and about in it, your car will be suffering. Snow, hail, ice, heavy rain and the overall cold temperature can play havoc on the running of a car and the last thing you want to do in freezing temperatures is have to fix a bent bumper or a broken windshield. So, here are some quick, sure-fire tips on how to prepare your car for the winter months.

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Tyre Pressure

Cold air is known to affect tyre pressure, so make sure you continuously check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Fitting winter tyres during the colder months, however, are preferable as they are specially-made and suited for the winter season where snow and sleet are on the roads. Winter tyres have a stronger grip and easier traction on the roads because they are made with more natural silica and rubber components, which don’t easily harden during cold weather.

Check Your Radar

Winter weather can be unpredictable, i.e. it’s either snowing, raining, windy, or all three! So, you would want to take the appropriate steps to protect your car. A quick look at your weather radar can help you prepare for heavy winds or hail by bringing your car into a garage or using a protective cover. For best results, you need the most accurate weather app available, so check out customer ratings and find an app that provides real-time weather and not just a forecast.

Get Your Maintenance

Small problems with your car can be exacerbated by the cold and rain, so if you haven’t had your car checked out in a while, now would be the time to make sure that nothing is wrong. A good first step is to make sure your MOT has not expired. If repairs need to be made, do your best to make them promptly to avoid having your car break down in the cold. There are some great online stores with quick deliveries if you need to have a part replaced as soon as possible. Sparepartstore24.co.uk is a good place to start because it offers the largest selection of analogue car parts for any car. Ensure that your car battery is checked as car batteries tend to suffer the most in the winter months. They can lose their ability to recharge as quickly and as efficiently in lower temperatures. Remember that you should also run your air conditioner, even in the cold. Running your air conditioning system at least every couple of weeks for a short spell on full-cold will allow the coolant, which contains a lubricant, to circulate through the system and keep all the rubber seals and pipework in good nick. Be careful not to turn the air conditioning system on as soon as you get in the car, though. According to research, the dashboard, sofa and air freshener emit Benzene, which is a carcinogen. So, it’s safer to open the windows after you enter your car and turn on the AC after a few minutes of the engine running.

Avoid Driving in Bad Weather

If at all possible, avoid driving in dangerous weather altogether. Your weather app can let you know if something particularly nasty is heading your way and give you an idea of how fast it is moving, which can help you change plans and avoid a potential accident. Make sure to also check your children’s car seats. Are they strong and durable to withstand rocky and turbulent roads during the winter?

Avoiding obvious threats like falling trees due to wind, hail, and hazardous roads will help you keep your family and your car safe during this festive season. By taking a few steps and being proactive, you can not only avoid car damage but also help give yourself and your family peace of mind this holiday season.