What You Need To Do Now To Get Your Car Ready For Autumn/Winter

The colder months are once again upon us, and the sooner you’re able to get your car checked and ready for winter, the better!

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on what you can do to get your car ready for this year’s autumn/winter.

Brakes

When it comes to brakes, you don’t want to leave these too late in getting checked, mainly because during winter, you risk skidding off the road and damaging your car and any passengers with you.

So go for a brake check at your local garage and play it safe by ensuring your brakes are in complete working order. The last thing you want is for your brakes to fail during any time of the year, especially in winter with snow and ice on the road.

This should be the number 1 priority. New brake pads, discs and anything else to ensure you can rely on your brakes this winter.

Winter Tyres

Every year, the question arises: should you add winter tyres to your car? And, it depends. If you live in the highlands, then maybe adding winter tyres is something you should seriously consider doing.

Whilst winter tyres aren’t mandatory here in the UK, some drivers still like to have them fitted in preparation for the winter months.

They can help with cornering and braking on softer surfaces, such as ice and snow and can improve driving performances all-round during winter.

Most garages fit them, so if you are interested, get your car booked in before snow and ice hit to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Just remember to change your tyres when spring/summer rolls around.

Screenwash

We’ve mentioned this before in a previous article, but it’s an essential tip for all drivers to consider. Make sure your screenwash is topped up!

When snow and ice may be reported, grit trucks will be laying crushed rock salt on the roads to melt the ice, making it easier for cars to drive safely. Not to mention sludge! It’s unpredictable with weather and dirt on the roads, causing windscreens to need washing to see the road in front of you.

So make sure your screenwash is topped up because you’ll need it!

Take Your Time

Drive slowly and steadily, you have to be careful and alert. Keep a bigger breaking distance between you and the car in front, and try to drive in higher gears for less risk of skidding. 

Get A Winter Kit

If your car breaks down for any reason, you’ll thank yourself for buying a winter kit. Things such as a blanket to make sure you stay warm in the freezing cold, a torch so you can see to check your car over during the night, a fully-charged power bank for your phone, water and non-perishable snacks can all help you stay calm and keep comfortable until help arrives.

But also consider a shovel and a spare outfit! Sometimes your car might get stuck in deep snow, so shovelling your way out might be the only option if recovery trucks cannot reach you. Most can these days, but it’s better to be fully prepared.