When the seasons change, and the temperature starts to drop, we prepare for the chilly weather. Whether that is stockpiling wood, changing out wardrobes, or packing away the garden furniture, there is loads we do to prepare for the changing of the seasons, and the same is true for your car.
While most of South Africa doesn’t experience extreme winter weather, the chilly season is not to be laughed off. You need to ensure that you winterise your vehicle correctly for the cold weather ahead.
So, what should you do to ensure you’ve correctly winterised your vehicle? There are three main areas to pay attention to, and they are: fluids, wipers, and the health of your car battery.
Let’s focus on the fluids.
Check Your Vehicle’s Fuels
The first fluid to check is your engine’s oil. Ensuring the vehicle has fresh, high-quality engine oil is key to a healthy motor under the bonnet.
But the main reason to change your oil to a fresh batch is cold temperatures can make oil thicker, which will affect its lubrication properties within the engine. Thick oil means a slower-running engine.
In South Africa, we’re pretty relaxed with adding anti-freeze to coolant, but ensuring it has the right balance means avoiding any potential of freezing. If this coolant freezes, it prevents the radiator from working and will cause the engine block to heat up dramatically.
The next fluid to replace would be your window washing fluid. By simply ensuring you have the correct mix of antifreeze within the reservoir, you should be able to use it to clear off thin layers of frost.
Check Condition of Windscreen Wipers
Before the season sets in, make sure you check the condition of your windshield wiper blades. If they are worn, cracked, or leave streaks, it’s time to replace them.
In South Africa, we don’t sell winter wiper blades, which are designed to withstand ice and snow buildup. This means you need to exercise caution when driving through snowy conditions.
The last check is to inspect the windshield washer nozzles. They need to be clear of debris as well as being aimed correctly. If they are blocked, a needle can be used to loosen the blockage.
Next is to perform general battery maintenance.
Battery Maintenance
It’s always in your best interest to test the battery’s voltage and overall condition by using a battery tester. Exposure to cold weather can reduce the battery’s capacity, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good shape.
Another simple task to complete is to clean the battery terminals and connections to remove any corrosion which can hinder proper electrical flow.
And if the battery is weak or old, consider replacing it at your nearest Xpress battery centre with a new one. It’s better to have a reliable battery during the winter months.
While these are the top tasks to complete to winterise your vehicle, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your safety on the roads this winter.
Other Tips To Consider This Winter
To be proactive and prepared for winter, it is always a good idea to book your vehicle to get a service from a qualified mechanic. They will be able to wave a red flag if there are any potential issues with your car.
An ongoing task to ensure your safety is to check tyre pressure regularly. Your tyres’ grip will be hampered if you live in a wet or snowy winter area, and this also means it’s a good idea to drive a bit slower than usual.
Now that we’re clued up about how to prepare for winter, you might want an expert to inspect your battery.
Get a Willard Battery Xpress Expert To Look At Your Battery
If you’d like a battery expert to look at your vehicle’s battery, you can send us a message, and we’ll answer it as soon as possible. If needed, you can also get a price on a new car battery.
And remember to be safe on the roads this winter season.
