Summer's Over! Now is the Time to Think About Servicing Your car for Winter

Summer is now over and fall is officially upon us. We're carrying our umbrellas more often, and we're grabbing our jackets before we leave the house now to protect ourselves from the chill and the rain that autumn often brings. Many of us have already unpacked our fall and winter clothing as well.

While it's easy to remember the steps we need to take to prepare ourselves for the upcoming cold weather, many of us often forget that our vehicles need preparation as well. As fall settles in, and winter quickly approaches, we need to be thinking about how dependent we are on our cars, and what we'll need to do maintenance-wise to ensure their car parts continue to deliver the performance we've come to expect. In order to keep our cars running at their best in the cold months ahead, it's important that we take certain steps to winterise them.

Winterising Your Car

Being ready for winter weather is a part of life when you own a vehicle. The steps you'll need to take should be built into your maintenance routine so when each season changes, you're ready for it, and you know you can climb into your car with confidence.

So, what do you need to be concerned about when it comes to your car? There are certain car parts, and also parts of your car, that need to be taken into consideration before winter.

Tyres- When it comes to safety, your tyres should be the first thing you consider. After all, they are an essential line of defence between you and the road. As winter approaches, take the time to inspect each tyre and ensure they are all looking and performing their best.

• Check the tread depth. This can be done with a tread depth gauge that is inexpensive to purchase and easy to use. Don't guess that the tread depth is okay. The minimum depth is 1.6 mm in Europe; Any less and you'll be breaking the law.

• Check the tyre pressure regularly as the weather grows colder. Keep in mind that the pressure can decrease as the temperature lowers.

• See about the tyre's alignment. A good way to tell if they are out of alignment is to check the tyres for uneven wear. If this is a problem, have the tyres re-aligned immediately to prevent poor fuel economy and uncomfortable driving experiences.

Car Battery- Cold weather can be tough on your car's battery, especially if it's ending the end of its expected life. This is because when the weather turns cold, the starter in the car pulls more amps from the battery in order to turn the vehicle on. If the battery is weak already, the extra amount of amps being pulled from it could leave it dead. Check to see how long your battery is expected to last. If it may die soon, take the time to purchase this car part before winter sets in. Otherwise, the cold weather could finish the battery off and leave you stranded.

If your battery is relatively new, and you believe it will last throughout the winter, don't assume you're done winterising it. Take the time to inspect it for corrosion build-up or leaks that could put a damper on your winter fun.

Oil- Most of us, after owning a car for a little while, understand how important changing the oil can be. What some might not understand is the changes oil goes through when winter begins. As the weather grows colder, your engine oil's viscosity grows thicker. This makes it harder for the oil to flow throughout the engine and protect your car parts. It's even more dangerous if you aren't using the right engine oil to begin with. When you change the oil, take a look at your owner's manual and be sure that you're using oil with the right viscosity rating and oil temperature so the oil can do its job correctly.

Belts and Hoses- Let's say for a moment that you own a Renault. Out of all the Renault parts beneath the bonnet, which would you say experience the most wear and tear? If you said the belts and hoses, you'd be correct. These car parts take a beating throughout the warmer months of the year, and as the weather becomes cooler, they have a tendency to swell, become prone to dry rot, and crack. Before winter weather begins, check these hoses and belts for signs of wear or take them to your local mechanic so he can check them. Replace them if needed, and take precautions by purchasing extras just in case.

Windscreen Wipers- When it comes to car parts, windscreen wipers are essential ones that you need all year long. However, they are especially important during winter. After all, how else are you going to effectively wipe away snow or push away melting ice that threatens to block your view of the road? The problem is, summer's heat is capable of actively deteriorating your windscreen wiper blades. When this happens, they may look worn, torn, cracked, or ripped. They may even chatter when they come in contact with the windscreen. These car parts must be replaced before they're needed during winter, for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Safety Checks- There are many areas of your car that are responsible for keeping you and your passengers safe on the road, and they must all be evaluated prior to winter settling in. Check the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. Check the exhaust system for leaks that could allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin of the vehicle. Take the necessary steps to protect everyone who enters your car.

Are you ready for winter weather? While you're preparing yourself for the upcoming cold, make sure you're taking the time to prepare your vehicle as well. Whether you're checking Ford, BMW, Land Rover, or Renault parts, taking the time winterise each one is important for the safety of yourself and your passengers.