Media post: 4 ways to get your car ready for winter

Winter driving can be hazardous for several reasons. Poor visibility, inclement weather, and icy road conditions can all contribute to accidents – many of which can be fatal. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your car is ready to deal with the poorest of driving conditions and that you are equipped to cope with whatever situation you may face when on the roads.

Here are 4 ways to get your car ready for winter.

Check your tires

One of the first things you should do before cold or bad weather comes around is to check your tires. Tire treads could make all the difference on wet or icy roads, so make sure they aren’t worn down.  If they are, get your tires replaced immediately.

If the weather is especially bad, switching to winter tires could also make a big difference.

Are your lights working?

Your lights will not only help you to see what’s ahead but will also make your car visible to other road users. Before heading off on a journey, check that your lights are free from any debris, mud, or anything else that could reduce visibility. Check regularly that the bulbs are working and have them replaced as necessary.

It’s a good idea to give your front and rear lights a good wash once a week (or more regularly if needed) to keep the glass clean and ensure that they release as much light as possible. Car cleaning is a necessity during the winter months, so don’t cut any corners.

Have your vehicle serviced

Winter is the worst possible season for your vehicle to break down. Standing at the edge of the road in the cold waiting for a repair truck to arrive isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, so make sure that you minimize the chances of it happening by having your car serviced.

One service a year should be adequate and will ensure that anything that needs to be remedied is deal with. A qualified mechanic will check over your oil, engine, brakes, and various other things, which will help minimize the risk of something going wrong.

Be prepared

You are far more likely to be stuck in traffic during winter. Trees can fall and block roads, trucks are more inclined to jackknife, and drivers will generally move at a far slower pace, which can cause traffic to stagnate. Being prepared for it will make it far more bearable, particularly if you are traveling with a young family.

Keeping extra clothes and blankets in your car will help you stay warm regardless of how long you are stuck. Have a spare bottle of water in your glove box as well as some snacks – they will come as a much-needed relief if you get stranded for hours on end with no food. If you have babies or toddlers that aren’t yet potty trained, keep some spare nappies to hand. The more prepared you are, the less stressful winter driving will be.