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"car maintenance information for winter"
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Car Maintenance Information For Winter
Winter weather can cause havoc on your car's
condition and running ability. The damp, wet and cold can impact on your
vehicle in a number of ways.
The battery can become especially vulnerable. This is because the power drained
through the use of headlights, heaters and windscreen de-misters may not
necessarily be replaced by the charging system on short journeys.
It is always a good idea to switch on your engine before turning on electrics,
such as heaters and lights, to avoid battery drain.
Check and if necessary clean the battery terminals. These should be corrosion
free and the connections tight. Cover the terminals with a cream, such as
petroleum jelly, to provide a protective seal.
Check the oil and water levels and in particular, the concentration of
antifreeze in the system. The additives in antifreeze prevent corrosion and
freezing of the cooling system.
Repair any cracks and chips on your windscreen and check all wiper blades for
signs of wear. They will be getting a lot more use over the winter months.
Make sure your screen wash reservoir is topped up and regularly clean your
screen. Only use propper vehicle screen wash additives, as washing up liquid
and paintwork don't mix.
Correct tyre pressures and adequate tread depth are essential for safe winter
driving. A deeper tyre tread ensures better grip in snow and sludge, and
travels over wet surfaces more efficiently.