Essential cold weather vehicle checks

Now that we’re in October, the weather is getting colder and crisper. The evenings are shorter, and winter isn’t very far away. At this time of year, it’s essential to perform regular cold weather vehicle checks to ensure you are safe at all times. Maintaining your car means it is less likely to break down and it will perform better under difficult road conditions. Take some time this week to carry out these simple cold weather vehicle checks!

Check your tyres

Perform some basic visual checks to ensure your tyre is in good condition, and be sure to check the tread depth. The legal minimum depth is 1.6mm, so if you are close to or gone lower than this, it’s time to get new tyres. You should also ensure your tyres are pumped to the correct pressure. Your vehicle’s manual will be able to tell you the correct depth for your tyres. It’s also worth considering winter tyres for your vehicle if you don’t already have them – they are designed to handle better in cold weather conditions.

Check your lights

All lights on your car should be in working order! This is not only so that you can see clearly ahead of you in the dark or poor weather, but so that all other road users can see your vehicle and what you intend to do. Check your headlamps, rear lights, indicators and brake lights on a weekly basis to ensure all are working correctly. If any of them are not working, replace them immediately. You should also ensure the glass cover of each light is clean so that they can be seen clearly. Ask your local motor parts supplier for help if you’re unable to change the bulbs yourself, and it’s always a good idea to have some spare in case of emergency.

Check your wipers

If your wipers are worn or in poor condition, it’s a good idea to replace them. In winter, there is a higher chance of snow and frost, which can be damaging to your wipers. Road grit and wet conditions can leave your windscreen very dirty. Not having working wipers can leave you in a dangerous situation if you are unable to clear your windscreen as this will affect your visibility. Be sure to top up your windscreen washer fluid too, and carry spare fluid in your car during poor weather.

Check your battery

Leaving your car idle for a long period of time, especially in winter, can affect the battery. If you’re not going to be using the car, you should keep starting it on a regular basis to keep the engine running. Keep an eye out for dim lights and if your car is slow or struggles to start up in the morning, it may be time for a replacement. Ask your local garage for advice.

Check your antifreeze

This is essential for protecting your car in the winter. Your car should contain a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, and the antifreeze will prevent the water from freezing in very cold conditions. It also helps to protect your engine from corrosion.

🚗 GREAT NEWS 🚗

Larkin Automotive will do all of these cold weather vehicle checks for FREE when you book us to replace your tyres! Our Mobile Tyre Fitting Unit is available throughout Dublin, 24 hours a day, and you can book an appointment at a location that suits you.

Essential cold weather vehicle checks