Nearly half of all UK drivers don’t conduct an annual inspection to make sure that their vehicle is ready for winter, according to Highways England. Such a lapse in preparation can be dangerous and costly—especially this year. The Met Office is predicting record-breaking rainfall beginning in October and running through March 2018.
To ensure that your vehicle is ready for inclement winter weather, be sure to mind the following advice:
- Check your battery. If your battery is old, it may have trouble starting, especially in cold weather.
- Change your windscreen wiper blades and top up your wiper fluid. You should install new windscreen wiper blades to ensure that your visibility is not impaired.
- Check your tyre pressure. Keep an eye on your tyres’ air pressure, as the cold can cause it to drop.
- Check your anti-freeze mixture. Your vehicle handbook should specify the mixture ratio and type of antifreeze.
- Change the oil. The cold weather can degrade the effectiveness of your engine oil. Fresh oil will ensure that your engine runs smoothly throughout the winter.
- Stock your car with emergency supplies. This should include items such as a torch, blanket, first aid kit, folding shovel and roadside reflectors.