Top 5 tips to prepare your car for the winter season: Efficient braking and performance in winter.

The UK weather presents various challenges for drivers in every season. The slippery roads during rain, high winds and strong sunlight during the summers, and the fog, snow, and ice during the winters: all of these changes are constantly posing risks for drivers and car owners. However, the cold UK winters often wreak havoc on the roads as well as your vehicle. The winter conditions can worsen any underlying problem with your vehicle, causing sudden breakdowns.

 Now, breakdowns are one of the most dreaded causes of concern among drivers. Avoiding a breakdown might seem challenging, especially in the winter conditions. Even the brakes require special attention for efficiency on snow-covered roads. Hence, the right preparation and services are necessary for smooth winter driving. Find out in this guide, the best tips to prepare your car for the winter months. 

Winter preparation for tyres. 

A tyre that has been used throughout the year will not be the best suited for winter conditions. This means the winter season requires special tyres also called winter tyres. Since these are the only components that are in direct contact with the road, proper maintenance and checkups are necessary. First of all, winter tyres are the best option for driving in snowy conditions. This is because of their special designs that offer the best performance, even on slippery icy roads.

 Secondly, it is important to check the tread depth regularly. In winter, the risk of slipping is already increased, and a tyre with low tread depth will have an even lower grip. Thirdly, note that your tyres have the correct air pressure. Improper air pressure could reduce the efficiency and performance of your vehicle, especially in winter conditions. Finally, check that they are fitted and aligned correctly for maximum performance. 

Winter preparation for the battery. 

Engines suffer from more challenges during the cold weather. They take up more time to start because of a slower terminal efficiency. Now, in such conditions, if your battery does not generate enough power to start your engine, it could be even more hassling. Hence, include battery checks and maintenance in your regular Car Servicing In Burton upon Trent. Check that your battery is clean and has no corrosion at the terminals. Ensure that the battery fluid is at the correct level too.

Winter preparation for the windscreen. 

The winter conditions can cause your windscreen washer fluid to freeze up. This means you might not be able to wash your windscreen and this can lead to safety risks while driving. Therefore, it is necessary to top up your fluids before the onset of the winter. To prevent it from freezing, you can either replace your windscreen washer fluid with one that doesn't freeze or top it up with an antifreeze solution. Checking your screenwash level is important before an MOT too. Not topping up the screenwash on time is a common reason for MOT failure. So, ensure that you are topping up the liquid on time. 

Winter preparation for lights. 

Lights are a critical feature for road safety while driving. They make sure that you can see where you are going and that other drivers can see you, especially during the night. In winter, lights become even more vital, with fog and darkness reducing the visibility significantly. Hence, it is necessary to prepare your car lights accordingly. The first and foremost step is checking that all of them are working properly. Next, you have to ensure that they are free from any dirt, grime, or snow. In winter, lights can get dirty due to the smog present. Therefore, cleaning them regularly is highly crucial for the winter months. 

Winter preparation for brakes. 

The road conditions pose many challenges to the braking system, and more so in the winter months. The overall braking efficiency is reduced due to the snow-covered roads. When compared to dry pavement, the braking distance is usually several times greater on icy roads. Plus, hard braking can lead you to lose control over your vehicle. It is advised to brake gently while driving on snowy roads to avoid slipping. Here are some other tips you can follow for an efficient braking system in the winter: 

• Inspect brakes regularly: Snow, ice, and salt in winter conditions can have a negative impact on your car’s braking system. This is why regular inspections are necessary for early detection and fixing of any damage. If you have been experiencing any signs of brake malfunctioning, such as vibration or screeching sounds while braking or a loose brake pedal, you should invest in Brake Repair Burton Upon Trent. This ensures your brakes are working properly on the winter roads. 

• Invest in quality brake fluid: The cold weather has an adverse effect on the performance of brake fluid. This can affect your braking system’s responsiveness and efficiency. Investing in a high-quality brake fluid with a lower freezing point will ensure that it performs well even in frigid conditions. 

• Change your driving habits: A few changes in your driving habits can improve the braking efficiency in winter. For example, gentle and gradual braking is essential while driving on icy roads. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, so you can give yourself sufficient time before braking. Slow down earlier than usual to avoid hard braking and losing control.  

Attention to minor details while driving or owning a car goes a long way. A few changes in your driving habits combined with regular servicing and maintenance will ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the frigid cold temperatures of the UK winter.