Winter Car Car Guide - Keeping On The Road this Winter

We hope you'll find our guide to keeping your car on the road this Winter helpful. If you are looking for any further advice, were here to help you stay on the road this Winter with a range of repairs and services as well as free advice on 01744 808586

At Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres, we understand how challenging driving in winter can be. Colder temperatures, wet roads, and icy conditions can all cause problems for your vehicle if it’s not prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive Winter Car Guide to help you keep your vehicle in top shape through the colder months. Our St Helens and Merseyside service centre is ready to assist with all your vehicle's needs to ensure you're safe and confident behind the wheel.

Winter Servicing: A Must for Safety

Before winter truly sets in, a full service is one of the best ways to ensure your car is ready for the demands of cold weather. A winter service checks everything from engine performance to the condition of your heating system. At Fastlane Autocare, our winter service package includes:

• Engine Check: We’ll assess your engine to ensure it’s running smoothly, which is vital for your vehicle’s performance during cold temperatures.

• Battery Test: Winter can be hard on your car’s battery, especially with shorter days and more frequent cold starts. We’ll check the health of your battery and replace it if necessary.

• Antifreeze & Coolant Levels: The antifreeze in your car prevents the engine from freezing and helps it to operate efficiently in low temperatures. We’ll ensure these levels are up to par.

• Heating & Demisting: We’ll inspect your car's heating system, demister, and air conditioning to ensure you're comfortable and can see clearly through the winter months.

• Wiper Blades and Screen Wash: Frozen windshields and rain are common in winter, and you’ll want your wipers in top condition. We’ll check your wiper blades and top up your screen wash with winter-grade fluid to avoid freezing.

Winter Servicing Tip: If you haven’t had a service in the last six months, book one before the cold weather hits. Preventative maintenance can save you from expensive repairs down the line. Winter starts on the 1st of Dec but the weather gets progressively worse coming up to that time. We advise getting a winter service before then to ensure your car or van is ready to take the Winter. To learn more about getting your serviced this Winter by Clicking Here

Tyre Checks – Crucial for Traction

One of the most important aspects of winter driving is ensuring that your tyres are in good condition. Cold weather, ice, and wet roads all take a toll on your tyres, and having the right type and condition of tyres is vital for road safety.

• Tyre Pressure: As temperatures drop, tyre pressure can decrease. Under-inflated tyres can cause poor handling and increase the risk of accidents. We’ll check your tyre pressure and ensure it's correct for your vehicle.

• Tyre Tread Depth: The tread on your tyres is essential for maintaining grip on icy or wet surfaces. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing tyres once the tread is worn to 3mm or lower for winter driving.

• Winter Tyres: If you frequently drive in icy or snowy conditions, we recommend switching to winter tyres. These tyres are specifically designed to offer better grip and performance on cold, slippery roads.

• Tyre Condition: We’ll inspect your tyres for any visible damage, such as cuts, bulges, or punctures. Driving with damaged tyres can be dangerous, especially in winter conditions.

Tyre Check Tip: If you're unsure about the condition of your tyres, or if you feel your car’s handling is off, let us inspect them. A simple check could save you from a potentially dangerous situation. We offer a free tyre check in St Helens and Merseyside so please feel free to come down or call us to book in.

Brakes – A Key Safety Feature

Your braking system is crucial in winter, as stopping distances can increase on icy or wet roads. Ensuring your brakes are in perfect working order is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

• Brake Pads: Worn brake pads can reduce your stopping power, so we’ll check them for wear and replace them if necessary.

• Brake Fluid: Low brake fluid levels can affect your braking performance, especially in colder conditions. We’ll top up your brake fluid to the correct level, ensuring maximum braking efficiency.

• Brake Discs: We’ll inspect your brake discs for any signs of wear or corrosion. Corroded discs can lead to brake failure, which is especially dangerous in winter weather.

Brakes Tip: If your brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, it’s crucial to have them checked right away. Poor brakes in winter are a recipe for disaster. If you'd like to get your brakes checked ready for Winter, you can learn more by Clicking Here.

Lighting – Visibility is Everything

As the days get shorter and darker, good visibility is essential. This is especially important if you're driving during the early morning or evening hours when roads can be more dangerous.

• Headlights and Tail Lights: We’ll check all of your vehicle’s lights to ensure they’re functioning properly. Faulty lights not only make it harder for you to see, but they can also reduce your visibility to other drivers.

• Fog Lights: In thick fog or heavy snow, fog lights can significantly improve your visibility. We'll make sure yours are working and aimed correctly.

• Indicators and Brake Lights: We’ll also check your indicators and brake lights, which are vital for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road.

Lighting Tip: Keep your lights clean and free of snow or ice to maintain maximum visibility at all times. We stock a wide range of bulbs and offer there and then drive in car and van build fitting in St Helens, Merseyside. Click here to learn more about getting car and van replacement bulbs today.

Battery – Don’t Get Caught Out

Cold weather can take a toll on your vehicle’s battery, leading to starting issues. As part of our winter service, we’ll test the strength of your battery and check for signs of wear or corrosion.

• Battery Condition: A battery that’s near the end of its life may struggle to start in cold temperatures. If we notice any issues, we’ll recommend a replacement before you get caught out.

• Alternator Check: The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery as you drive, and we’ll ensure it’s working correctly to avoid any power loss.

Battery Tip: If you find your car taking longer to start than usual, it could be a sign that your battery is struggling. Let us inspect it before it completely fails. We stock batteries and with our instant fitting service for cars and van batteries in St Helens and Merseyside. We also offer a mobile battery fitting service in St Helens, you get not only ultimate value, but ultimate convenience.

Fluid Levels – Stay topped up

Your vehicle relies on various fluids to function properly, and low fluid levels can cause issues, particularly in winter.

• Engine Oil: Low or dirty oil can make it harder for your engine to start in cold weather. We’ll check the oil levels and top up or change the oil as needed.

• Power Steering Fluid: In cold temperatures, power steering can become sluggish. We’ll ensure your power steering fluid is at the correct level for smooth steering.

• Windshield Washer Fluid: It’s essential to have plenty of screen wash, particularly in winter when you’re more likely to encounter rain, ice, or snow.

Fluid Tip: If your vehicle is low on any of these vital fluids, it can lead to performance problems and costly repairs. Keep everything topped up and clean for maximum winter reliability. If you book your car or van in for a service with Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres, we always check, top up and even replace fluid every time we service your vehicle to ensure maximum safety. Book a service by Clicking Here

Getting your car repaired for Winter

Preparing your car for winter weather is essential to ensure safety and reliability on the road. At Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres, we offer a comprehensive winter service that covers all the key areas to keep your car running smoothly through the colder months. Whether you need a full service, tyre checks, or a battery test, our team at our St Helens and Merseyside service centre is here to help. Don’t let the winter months catch you off guard – book your service today, and keep your car in top condition all season long. Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy winter driving with confidence!

Winter Car Care Guide – FAQ

Q - Why is winter car care important?

A - Winter weather can be tough on your vehicle. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and wet conditions can lead to issues like engine trouble, brake problems, and tyre wear. Proper winter car care ensures your vehicle is ready to handle these challenges safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents during the colder months.

Q - When should I get my car serviced for winter?

A - It’s a good idea to get your car serviced before the winter season begins—ideally, in the fall. This gives you enough time to address any potential issues before the cold weather hits. If it’s been six months or longer since your last service, a winter check-up is especially important.

Q - What does a winter car service include?

A - A winter car service at Fastlane Autocare includes a thorough inspection of the key components that are affected by cold weather. This includes:

• Engine check for smooth performance

• Battery test to avoid starting problems

• Antifreeze and coolant levels to prevent freezing

• Heating and demising systemcheck for comfort and visibility

• Tyre check for wear, pressure, and winter suitability

• Wiper blades and screen wash to keep your visibility clear

Q - How can I tell if my battery needs replacing?

A - If your car is slow to start, or if you’ve had trouble starting it during colder mornings, it could be a sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. We recommend having your battery tested during your winter service to avoid any unexpected breakdowns.

Q - Do I need to switch to winter tyres?

A - If you regularly drive on icy or snowy roads, switching to winter tyres can improve grip and handling. Winter tyres are designed to perform better in low temperatures and on slippery surfaces. If you don’t frequently drive in such conditions, all-season tyres with adequate tread may suffice, but it’s always best to consult with a professional about your specific needs.

Q - How often should I check my tyre pressure in winter?

A - Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, so it’s important to check your tyres more frequently during the winter months—ideally once a month. Under-inflated tyres can affect handling and increase the risk of a blowout, so make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Q - How do I know if my brakes are in good condition for winter driving?

A - If your brakes are squealing, your steering wheel vibrates when braking, or you feel a soft pedal, your braking system may need attention. Winter conditions can worsen these issues, so it’s best to have your brakes checked before the weather gets too cold. A thorough winter brake check will assess the condition of your brake pads, fluid, and discs to ensure they’re ready for winter driving.

Q - How can I prevent my car’s windshield from freezing?

A - Make sure your windshield wipers and washers are in good working order. Using a winter-grade screen wash can prevent the fluid from freezing, and using a windshield cover or de-icer at night can help protect your windscreen from frost. If you notice your wipers aren’t working effectively, consider replacing them with winter wiper blades that can handle colder temperatures.

Q - What fluids should I check during winter?

A - Key fluids to check for winter readiness include:

• Engine oil: Cold weather thickens oil, so ensure it’s clean and at the proper level for optimal engine performance.

• Brake fluid: Essential for safe stopping, make sure it’s at the right level and not contaminated.

• Coolant/antifreeze: Prevents the engine from freezing; check the levels and condition.

• Power steering fluid: Cold weather can make power steering sluggish if fluid levels are low.

Q - What should I do if my car is exposed to extreme cold for long periods?

A - If your vehicle will be left in extremely cold conditions for a while, consider keeping it in a garage or using an engine block heater to prevent the engine oil from thickening. In some cases, it may also help to start the engine for a few minutes each day to keep fluids circulating.

Q - Can I drive in heavy snow or ice without winter tyres?

A - While it is possible to drive in snow and ice with all-season tyres, winter tyres are specifically designed to provide better traction in these conditions. They have deeper treads and a special rubber compound that performs better in low temperatures. If you frequently drive in areas with heavy snow or icy conditions, winter tyres are strongly recommended for enhanced safety.

Q - How can I improve visibility in winter weather?

A - Keep your headlights, taillights, and windshield clean to ensure maximum visibility. Fog lights are also helpful in thick fog or snow. Always clear your windows, mirrors, and lights of snow or ice before driving, and use your headlights even during the day for better visibility to other drivers.

Q - Is it safe to drive when temperatures are below freezing?

A - Driving in freezing temperatures can be safe as long as your vehicle is properly maintained. Ensure that your car is serviced, your tyres are in good condition, and your brakes, lights, and wipers are working effectively. Always drive cautiously, give yourself extra time to stop, and reduce speed on icy or slippery roads.

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