Spotlight Magazine
Is Your Car Ready For Winter?
ell it seems like winter is now upon us,
W
and we need to take extra care when
driving in the cold and dark months ahead.
It is vitally important to be sure that our cars
and tyres are in the best condition that they
can be to keep us safe on
the roads.
Follow this winter
checklist and help to
keep you and your family
safe.
Battery and Charging
System – Have the
battery and charging
system tested by a trained
technician. A fully charged
battery in good condition is
required to start an engine
in cold weather.
Battery Cables and Terminals – Check
the condition of the battery cables and
terminals. Make sure all connections are
secure and remove any corrosion from the
terminals and posts.
Engine Hoses –Visually inspect the
cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or
loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses
to check for any that may be brittle or
excessively spongy feeling and in need of
replacement.
Tyre Type and Tread – In areas with heavy
winter weather, changing to snow tyres
on all four wheels will provide the best
winter traction. All-season tyres will work
well in light to moderate snow conditions,
providing they have adequate tread depth.
If any tyre has less than 3/32-inches of
tread, it should be replaced. Uneven
wear on the tires can indicate alignment,
suspension or wheel balance problems
that should be addressed to prevent further
damage to the tires.
Air Filter – Check the engine’s air filter by
holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light
can be seen through much of the filter, it
is still clean enough to work effectively.
However, if the light is blocked by most of
the filter, replace it.
Coolant Levels – Check
the coolant level when
the engine is cold. If the
coolant level is low, add a
50/50 solution of coolant
and water to maintain
the necessary antifreeze
capability. The level of
antifreeze protection
can be checked with
an inexpensive tester
available at any auto parts
store.
Lights – Check the
operation of all headlights, taillights,
emergency flashers, turn signals, brake
lights and back-up lights. Replace any
burnt out bulbs.
Wiper Blades – Blades should completely
clear the glass with each swipe. Replace
blades that leave streaks or miss spots.
In areas with snowy conditions, consider
installing winter wiper blades that wrap
the blade in a rubber boot to prevent ice
and snow buildup that can prevent good
contact between the rubber blade and the
glass.
Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer
fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution
that has antifreeze components for cold
weather use.
Brakes – Have brakes inspected by
a certified technician to ensure all
components are in good working order.
Transmission, Brake and Power Steering
Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are
at or above the minimum safe levels.
Tire Pressure – Check tyre pressure more
frequently during winter months. As the
temperature drops, so will the pressures
For a professional winter safety inspection
in the tyres—typically 1 PSI for every
of your car, visit Pentagon in Derby. See the
10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tyre
ad on the opposite page for more details.
pressure levels can be found on a sticker
located on the driver’s side door jamb.
And, don’t forget to check the spare.
www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01332 416 121 • [email protected]
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