Easy Car Checks - for winter drivers

By Stephen Turvil

Winter is a happy time for snowmen, ice skaters, and Father Christmas – but it can be tricky for motorists.

After all, slippery snow, inconvenient ice, and raucous rain can conspire to make driving harder than a frozen snowball. But never fear, the impact of these spine-chilling conditions can be minimised by preparing your vehicle.

Tyres – important check
One of the most important steps is to inspect the tyres. 
Only a small part of each tyre touches the road at one time and this helps motorists steer, accelerate, and stop. That is quite a task even in perfect conditions.
Check for splits, tears, and that the pressures are correct. Too much or too little air affects braking and stability, and causes premature wear.
Furthermore, check the tread depth is adequate as this is all that clears rain water and slush. The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central 75% of the tyre, and around its circumference; the AA recommends no less than 2mm for winter driving. For superior performance change tyres once the tread hits 3mm.

Visibility
One of the most common challenges for winter drivers is poor visibility. Just ask Santa. So, check your windscreen wipers are effective and also clean the windows, mirrors, and lights. Check the bulbs too. These are checks you can do yourself and will make life considerably easier.
Furthermore, concentrated screen wash in the reservoir needs to be a strong mix to stop it freezing. Aim for 50% wash and 50% water. It is also worth protecting the paint with a coat of wax, as salt from gritting lorries makes cars deteriorate quicker than old turkey sandwiches. Ewww!
These steps can be taken with very little mechanical knowledge, but some require a specialist.

Carry a supply kit
It is also wise to carry a ‘supply kit’ next to your pile of Christmas presents. Windscreen de-icer is essential, as is a decent scraper and it is always sensible to have a spare bulb kit  and tyre pump with you. Warm clothing, fluorescent jackets, a shovel and refreshments can come in handy too. My shovel collapses, so it takes-up less space in the boot than a letter to Father Xmas. A warning triangle is essential and is mandatory in some European countries.

Ask your local mechanic to check your vehicle
According to the AA, breakdowns double in winter, so if you are planning a long trip, it is worth visiting your local garage and asking a mechanic to check the battery, anti-freeze, filters, belts, hoses, and brakes. 
There may be a small charge for this service – but that is preferable to breaking-down on Christmas day with a car full of excited kids. That event could make a terrifying horror film.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must get off my Christmas list to Santa, talking of which, how will the old man get my Ferrari down the chimney?
Have a very happy Christmas, and enjoy some trouble free and pleasant motoring.

If you need a winter service or tyre check, one of these local garages would be happy to help:

Castleman Auto Repairs - Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross 01202 822199
DLH Cars & Commercials - Woolsbridge Ind. Park, Three Legged Cross 01202 827470
Ebblake Autocentres - Verwood Trading Est, Verwood 01202 824516
Ferndown MOT Centre - Liberty Road, Ferndown 01202 892323
Millstream Motor Company - Millstream Trd. Est., Ringwood 01425 477822
Rob Burton Motor Engineers - Ferndown Ind. Est., Wimborne 01202 876600
Wimborne Tyres Ltd - Brook Road, Wimborne 01202 881509