Cars and cold weather famously don’t mix. The best way to keep your vehicle safe and working properly is to find the problems before they stop you in your tracks. Read on to find out the importance of pre-winter car servicing and how to keep your vehicle safe.

Safety First: Why Winter Car Servicing Matters

Rainy days, storms, fallen leaves, snow, sleet and black ice; winter makes driving more dangerous, that’s why it’s so important to make sure your car is performing at its best. Breakdowns and accidents can dramatically increase in winter if you aren’t properly prepared for it. We therefore recommend that if you haven’t had your vehicle serviced this year, you book it in for the end of autumn/beginning of winter. Our professional mechanics can inspect your vehicle to make sure it’s performing well and will keep you safe this coming winter.

What Are the Most Common Car Issues in Winter?

According to data collected by the AA, the number one cause of breakdowns between December and February is battery-related issues; almost a quarter (24%) of all breakdowns they saw were a result of battery failure. Car batteries really struggle in extreme cold, as they need to use more energy to get up to temperature and get your car started. This leads to them running out quicker, freezing, or not starting at all.

Tyres are also high on the list of winter accident culprits, as they are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road it is imperative that they are in good condition.  Aquaplaning (losing control of your tyres while driving on a wet surface) and skidding on ice are a big risk this time of year, so you will need to look after your tyres to drive safely. Having Winter tyres fitted is a great alternative for the cold months providing enhanced safety, better grip, improved handing and shorter braking distances.

Other common issues are brake, wipers, lights and other electrical systems. Properly functioning brakes and lights are essential to your safety, but your comfort and driving experience are also important; you don’t want to be stuck driving in 0°C weather if your heater doesn’t work properly.

What We Look for in a Winter Service

We take a personalised approach to vehicle servicing, so that you can receive the best service for your own circumstances, at a reasonable price. Currently, we offer three main types of services, Manufacturers Service, Major/Full Service, and Interim Service.

We recommend carrying out a full or interim service annually, alternating between the two. Or for newer or prestige vehicles, manufacturers services are completed at intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Often, with this type of servicing, your vehicle will indicate it is due by showing a warning on your dashboard.

The key parts of a service that we recommend getting checked for the Winter months, and that are included in all of our service options, are as follows:

• Lights: This is essential to make sure you maintain high visibility during heavy rain, snow, or for driving in the dark. We will check all of your external lights, including checking for damage that can occur from grit hitting the lights.
• Engine: As previously explained, engines can struggle in the cold, and any pre-existing issues with your engine may therefore be exacerbated, leading to breakdowns. Our services include changing engine oil, checking coolant levels, and checking for oil leaks.
• Brakes: Stopping distance increases in rain and especially in snow or ice. You don’t want spongey brakes (when you have to press further on your brakes before they respond) to compound that issue or cause an accident. We will check brake fluid levels, brake lines and brake pads (among other things), to make sure they’re working smoothly.
• Tyres, wheels & suspension: We will check the tread depth and tyre pressure of all tyres, including the spare, and can change them to winter/snow tyres at your request. We will also check your suspension, shock absorbers and power steering. It’s important to make sure your driver experience is comfortable and it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting with your car when driving, as this would make you more accident prone.

The Benefits of a Pre-Winter Car Servicing

Regular servicing may sound like another unnecessary expense, but it could actually save you thousands of pounds in breakdown expenses and vehicle repairs. By identifying issues before they become critical, you’re not only making your car safer to drive, but also cheaper to run. Afterall, replacing worn brake pads is a lot cheaper than replacing the pads, discs, and your front bumper because you couldn’t stop your vehicle in time.

A well-maintained vehicle will also have a greater fuel economy; engines that are well looked-after run more efficiently, require less fuel, and generally last longer before they need to be replaced. You can also save money in other places, as regularly serviced vehicles can have lower insurance premiums and a greater resale value.

Ultimately, there are a whole host of benefits associated with regular servicing, not just in winter, but the main one is peace of mind. Knowing that your car is safe to drive and far less likely to break down on a busy motorway or on your way to visit family over Christmas is invaluable.

If you’re interested in booking in an interim or full service, call us on 0161 477 6266 or visit our online booking system.