Is your vehicle ready for winter

Did it snow where you are? In contrast to December’s incredibly mild weather, the drop in temperature may have taken some drivers by surprise. Freezing conditions gripped the UK and ice left many roads treacherous. Although warmer weather is forecasted, snow is likely to be falling in the coming weeks.

Last month was the mildest December on record, so it’s unlikely you’ve given much thought to getting your car winter ready up until now. But we strongly recommend doing the relevant checks and preparations if you haven’t already.

‘Here they go again’, we hear some of you say. ‘I’ve never bothered to get my car ‘winter ready’ before and I’ve always been perfectly fine.’ Well, here are some statistics, which may shock you.

Approximately 22% of all vehicle crashes each year are weather related – as in, accidents that occur in adverse weather such as snow, sleet, rain, fog or severe crosswinds. In ten years (2004-2013), there were 1,258,978 weather-related crashes, with 445,303 people injured and 5,897 dying as a result.

Doing a few simple checks can make a massive difference – surely you don’t want to become yet another statistic?

Tyres

Worn tyres won’t hold the road in wet or icy conditions, leading to aquaplaning or skidding. Make sure your tyres have adequate tread, are at the correct pressure and haven’t suffered any damage that could compromise their safety or performance.

We also recommend that you consider winter tyres if you live in an area that tends to see deep snow; further information about winter tyres can be found here.

Battery

The engine may be your vehicle’s heart but without a working battery it simply won’t go. In February 2012 alone, the RAC attended more than 50,000 battery-related call-outs – more than any other issue.

Your car’s battery has to work extra hard in the cold weather so it’s important to ensure it’s in tip top condition during the winter months.

Wiper blades

Remember that if wiper blades become frozen to your windscreen, they can easily get damaged if you turn them on before they thaw. Check your wiper blades for any damage and replace them if necessary. And try to give your blades plenty of time to warm up before attempting to free them.

Coolant

Check that your engine coolant is between the minimum and maximum markers and that you added sufficient anti-freeze.

Screenwash

Not all screenwash is the same, so it is important that you use a solution that is suitable for freezing temperatures. You should look for a screenwash that protects to at least -10ºC.

Don’t have the time or confidence to check your car?

It’s important that your vehicle is ready for the freezing temperatures but we understand that not everyone has the time, knowledge or confidence to carry out their winter checks.

This is why M&BM Motors offers a great value Winter Check service; for just £35 our skilled mechanics will make sure that your lights, battery, anti-freeze, tyres, windscreen, wipers and windscreen wash are all up to the task.

Like an MOT, you will then receive a list of advisories. This means that if anything could become an issue, you are well aware of it and can take the necessary measures to get it rectified. After all, if there is a problem, isn’t it better to find it out during a winter check than in the middle of a snow-covered, deserted car park?

Don’t risk it – call M&BM Motors in Grays, Essex to book a Winter Check on 01375 379401.