With winter heading our way it’s important that we take proper care of our vehicles to ensure that they can run properly and serve us well on those icy mornings when we rely on them the most.
Luckily for SA Motorists, South African winters are not as extreme as most places, and we don’t have to deal with snow covered roads and cars. Unfortunately just like humans, our cars also get cold, and the icy temperatures do affect them and their performances. It’s important that you take the necessary steps to prevent your vehicle from breaking down this winter.
It would be a good idea to do a thorough vehicle check before winter arrives to make sure that your car is ready for the low temperatures and to help avoid you from breaking down in freezing temperatures. If your vehicle is due for a service then a good idea would be to have it done before winter settles down, so that you can have peace of mind when the cold days arrive.
To ensure your safety this winter, be sure to get your brakes checked, and make sure that your tire tread depth and tyre pressure is up to standard, so that there is no slipping and sliding when you need to break hard. Make sure that your cooling system has new antifreeze in it to help ensure that your fluids don’t freeze and cause damage to your engine.
The relentless cold temperatures can be hard on a car’s battery, so have your battery checked and make sure it’s strong enough to last the winter. It will also be wise to keep an extra set of jumper cables in your boot just in case your battery decides to give up on you.
Make sure that your wipers, air condition system and heater works 100%. These are crucial in aiding you to defrost your vehicle in the mornings after a long night in the cold. If your vehicle is undercover then you shouldn’t be affected too badly. But if your vehicle has no cover, then having these functions work correctly will save you a lot of time and trouble.
If you can’t store your vehicle in an undercover parking, then a good idea would be to invest in a car cover. Car covers do a great job at keeping your car warmer and dry during night, and it will make warming your car up an easier task.
If possible, try not to fill your petrol tank fully when filling up, keeping your tank half full decreases the chances of moisture forming and freezing in the gas lines.
It’s imperative that your car is winter ready, and by covering the basics you can help ensure that your winter will be enjoyable and disaster free.
If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle for winter, then visit www.AutoMart.co.za for good deals on cars in your area.
