Cold, dark and wet mornings put extra strain on your car, and winter is when breakdowns spike. A few simple checks now can save you a miserable morning stuck on the drive or at the roadside. Here is a practical winter checklist for drivers around Guildford and Surrey.
Battery
Cold weather is hard on batteries, and most that fail do so in winter. If your car has been slow to start, or the battery is more than about five years old, get it tested before it lets you down. Short winter trips with the heater, lights and wipers all running give the battery little chance to recharge.
Tyres
Grip matters most when roads are wet, icy or covered in leaves. Check your tread with the 20p test and make sure pressures are correct. If you cover a lot of rural Surrey miles, it is worth considering winter or all season tyres for the colder months.
Screenwash and wipers
Top up the screenwash with a proper winter mix that will not freeze, plain water will. Replace wiper blades that smear or judder, because a clear screen is vital in low winter sun and spray.
Lights
With long dark commutes, every light needs to work. Walk around the car and check headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights, and give the lenses a wipe, road grime dims them quickly.
Antifreeze and coolant
The coolant in your engine needs the right concentration of antifreeze to avoid freezing and to protect the engine. If you are not sure when it was last checked, ask your garage to test it.
Keep an eye on fluids and heating
Make sure the heater and demister are working so you can clear the screen quickly on frosty mornings. Keep the washer bottle full and check oil levels while you are at it.
A winter emergency kit
- Ice scraper and de icer
- A warm layer and a blanket
- A torch and a phone charger
- A small first aid kit and some water
If you would rather have it all checked in one go, a winter check gives you peace of mind before the worst of the weather. See our services page or book a visit to our Normandy garage and we will make sure your car is ready for the cold.
Book with your local Guildford garage
SMA Autos LTD is an independent garage in Normandy, Guildford, looking after drivers across Guildford, Worplesdon, Ash, Pirbright, Fairlands and the wider Surrey area. For honest advice and a clear price before any work starts, book online or call us on 07921 814250.