5 Essential Winter Car Checks to Avoid a Roadside Breakdown
As the temperatures drop across London, the risk of a vehicle breakdown skyrockets. Cold weather puts extra strain on your car's most vulnerable components. By taking 20 minutes to perform these five simple checks, you can dramatically reduce your chances of needing a roadside rescue this winter.
1. Check Your Battery
A car battery loses a significant amount of its power in cold weather. If your battery is over three years old, it's at high risk of failing on the first frosty morning. If you notice your engine struggling to turn over, get the battery professionally tested.
2. Test Your Antifreeze
Antifreeze (or engine coolant) is vital. It stops the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing and causing catastrophic damage. You can buy a simple antifreeze tester to check the concentration or ask your local garage to do it for you.
3. Inspect Your Tyres
Good grip is essential on cold, wet, or icy roads.
- Tread Depth: Ensure you have at least 3mm of tread for winter driving (the legal minimum is 1.6mm).
- Pressure: Check your tyre pressures when they are cold, as pressure drops in colder temperatures.
4. Top Up Your Screenwash
Winter roads are notoriously dirty. A good quality, winter-grade screenwash that won't freeze is essential for maintaining visibility. A clear windscreen is a legal requirement and vital for safety.
5. Check Your Lights
With shorter daylight hours, all your lights need to be in perfect working order. Walk around your car and check that all your indicators, headlights, brake lights, and fog lights are functioning correctly.
Performing these checks can save you from the stress and expense of a winter breakdown. However, if the unexpected does happen, Advance Vehicle Recovery is on hand 24/7 throughout the winter to provide assistance across West London and beyond.
You might also like
Does a broken down car still pay London ULEZ, LEZ, or Congestion Charge?
