Winter Car Maintenance Tips for You!

The winter season is approaching and it is a challenging season for both drivers and cars. Cold weather, snow, and ice might cause a variety of traffic problems. To ensure your car performs effectively and keeps you safe during winter, it’s essential to follow proper maintenance practices. As a car finance broker, we understand how important it is to keep your car in optimal condition! So, in this blog, we will share some useful winter car maintenance tips to keep you safe on the road!

Regular Maintenance Checks:

1. Battery Health and Maintenance

During the winter, the temperatures are quite low, which might hurt your car’s battery. To avoid this, it’s time to inspect the battery’s overall condition and voltage levels. You have to consider changing to a new battery before winter if it shows any signs of weakness. In addition, please check the battery terminals for any corrosion. If there is corrosion, you should wipe them by using a mixture of baking soda and water. Furthermore, it will be wise to get a jumper cable in your car just in case some emergency things happen in winter!

2. Check the Tires

Tire care is essential for winter driving.  Please follow the following steps to check your tires.

• Tire Pressure: You should use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire, including the spare one. If the pressure is lower than the recommended level, it’s time to inflate the tires at the proper pressure.
• Tire Depth: To determine the depth of the tire tread, use the tread depth gauge. Also, if the tread shows any signs of wear, cracks, or bulges, you should replace them to maintain the best traction on snow and icy roadways.
• Rotation: Consider rotating your tires regularly, which provides even tread wear and extends the lifespan of the tires.
• Winter Tires: If you live in a place with harsh winter conditions like snow and ice, you might need to use winter tires.

3. Fluid Levels

Fluid levels and quality are critical for your vehicle’s overall performance in the winter. Make sure there is enough engine oil, coolant, and windshield fluid in your car, to prevent freezing and maintain good performance. Also, ensure there is enough transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid is necessary. You can even take an extra bottle of windscreen washer fluid in your car just in case.

4. Wiper Blades and Washer Jets

Good visibility is critical in the winter, which is why wiper blades and washer jets are key components for safe driving. So, if there is any damage to the wiper blades or a clog in the washer jets, you must replace them immediately.

5. Inspect the Lights

Properly functioning lighting is critical for safety on the road. Please make sure that all the lights like brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are working correctly.

Exterior & Interior Maintenance:

1. Exterior Maintenance

• Waxing and sealing: To protect your car against snow, or any other harsh weather conditions, remember to apply a coat of wax or sealer.
• Rust prevention: Washing your car regularly is necessary, which can prevent rust.

2. Interior Care

• Cabin air filter: To keep the clean and fresh air inside your car during the winter time, replace the cabin air filter in time.
• Carpet protection: In the winter, the weather is harsh, and to avoid mold or other issues, it is necessary to prepare all-weather floor mats, as well as to clean and dry them regularly.

Emergency Preparedness

1. Car Emergency Kit

In the winter, the weather is unpredictable and will bring some challenging road conditions. So, it’s vital to be prepared for everything while driving. And a car emergency kit is required. Keep some essential items in it, including:

• Flashlight and batteries
• Blanket to keep your warm
• Snow brush and ice scraper (if you live in an area where the temperature is quite low)
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains (if you live in an area where the temperature is quite low)
• Raincoat and hat

2. Roadside Assistance

Please remember to enroll in a reputable roadside assistance program, which is usually included in your new car insurance in new zealand. So, if something goes wrong, they can assist you directly.

In summary, proper winter car maintenance will help you drive safely in winter. Following these car care tips can also help your vehicle withstand the challenges of cold weather and serve you for many years to come. Please contact us if you have any further car finance questions or would like to apply for a new car loan. We are happy to provide some help! You can call 0800 008 888 or apply for it online directly!