Car expert reveals winter maintenance checks to avoid damage.
Six car maintenance checks to prevent expensive damage over winter.
Adverse and icy weather can put vehicles at an increased risk of damage, with the greatest number of breakdowns reportedly taking place in the winter months.
To save Irish drivers from being landed with a hefty repair bill or even towed off the motorway, experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts have shared the most important car parts to check and maintain this winter.
1. Keep the battery warm
“Winter weather can have a negative effect on car batteries, affecting the chemical process that hold charge. Drivers also tend to be using lights and heating within their vehicle more often, which can have an impact on the battery. Grinding or clicking sounds when turning on the ignition could be a sign the battery is at risk of breaking down.
“To keep your battery warm, make sure you are driving your car regularly and keep it in a garage if possible, where it is protected from the chill. If you are having a hard time starting your car, turn off all the electrics and dip the clutch when you turn the key. If you still have problems, get the battery tested by a professional and have a new one fitted if necessary.”
2. Repair windscreen chips
“If the windscreen of your vehicle has a chip that you have been putting off repaired, winter is the perfect time to see to this maintenance issue. While it may be just a small chip that seems harmless, frost will enter the chip during the winter months, and the freeze-thaw process will eventually cause the chip to grow into much larger windscreen damage.
“Before the weather takes a drastic turn, contact a professional who can quickly repair the chip before it becomes a more expensive problem, leading to the windscreen needing to be replaced.”
3. Top up car fluids
“Under your bonnet is home to various fluids including windscreen wash and engine coolant. In cold temperatures, these fluids become more viscous which can cause them to tear internal seals. The fluids may even freeze which can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
“Keeping your car topped up with anti-freeze during the winter will prevent the engine coolant from freezing over, while winter washer fluid has a lower freezing point and is a great preventative measure. Regular maintenance of car fluids is advisable for keeping them in good running order.”
4. Take care of windscreen wipers
“When the temperatures drop below zero, de-frosting and scraping ice from your windshield won’t be the only concern. Often, windshield wipers freeze to the glass which can be more of a challenge to deal with, especially if you have somewhere to be. Similarly, the blades may get torn in extreme weather, from the pressure of snow, ice and slush.
“If you are expecting extreme weather, it may be beneficial to purchase winter wiper blades specifically for these conditions. A frost guard is also a great way to prevent your windscreen freezing and the wipers getting stuck overnight, otherwise you should always fully clear your windscreen before you set off, so your wipers can move efficiently. Be careful not to leave wipers on the automatic function, as they could blow a fuse trying to work when frozen.”
5. Maintain tyre pressure
“Tyre pressure tends to fluctuate in extreme temperatures, decreasing at rest and increasing while moving. This can lead to uneven wear, shortened lifespan and even tyre blowout. Ensure regular maintenance of your tyres by checking the pressure at least once a month and topping it up where necessary. It’s especially important to keep your tyres in good condition when the roads are wet or icy.”
For more information in protecting your vehicle from the harsh winter weather, please visit LKQ Euro Car Parts.
