The Best Ways to Prepare for Cold Weather

Our UK Winters can pose sudden icy surprises for our cars and roads. However, with the right preparation, you can skip that early-morning dread and be confident on your journey. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for cold weather and keep your car happy and healthy.

Check your tires and brakes

When navigating slippery roads, your tyres are your greatest allies. Make sure that they are in good shape and have the appropriate tread depth. Think about upgrading to winter tyres made especially for icy situations; they offer superior traction and grip, greatly increasing the stability of your car.

Roads with icy conditions require rapid and accurate braking. Make sure your brakes are responsive and in top functioning order by having them checked out regularly. Replace worn-out brake fluids and pads as necessary.

The best way to know if your car meets these checks is to get your car serviced. Whether it’s an Audi, SKODA, Volkswagen, or SEAT, a car service involves verifying a few things to make sure the necessities are operating as they should.

The wipers, fluid levels, suspension, brakes, heating system, and batteries are among the parts of the inspections. This will give you the best chance of avoiding car breakdowns in the winter and guarantee that everything is in working condition for a comfortable and stress-free trip.

Monitor car cleanliness

Wintertime may be nasty for cars, in part because of all the salt on the ice roadways. IAM RoadSmart, a road safety nonprofit, estimates that on a damp, grated motorway, you can lose up to 40% of your brightness in around twenty miles.

A thorough cleaning is a crucial component of winter vehicle care. In the event that your car lacks headlamp washers, you can use a cloth to clean them. Additionally, remember to wipe off your licence plate. If the registration on your car cannot be read, you may be fined.

Tackling the frost

Another way to prepare for cold weather is to ensure you are topped up with antifreeze. Making sure your antifreeze is topped up is crucial because it prevents the water in the engine’s cooling system from freezing. Depending on the type of coolant used and the age of the car, coolant should be replaced every two to five years.

Additionally, if there’s a covered space available, put your car there to reduce ice formation. To keep your car safe from ice and snow accumulation, cover it with a tarp or cover. You can also keep your door seals from freezing shut by spraying them with a silicone-based product.

Winter essentials

Our final tip on how best to prepare for cold weather is all about you, the car owner. If bad luck does strike and you are stuck in a break-down situation, there are items that we recommend you have in your car during this frosty time:

• De-icer and ice scraper
• Warning triangle
• Alongside warm clothes, a blanket, rug, or sleeping bag
• Having sensible footwear such as wellies
• Torch and batteries
• Mobile phone and charger
• Shovel (for those seriously cold days)
• Snacks

It’s never too early to start prepping

It’s important to prepare your vehicle for ice roads not just to increase safety but also to provide you peace of mind when travelling during icy conditions. By following these precautions and exercising caution when driving, you’re protecting not only your car but also your health and the health of other drivers. Take pleasure in a more seamless journey through the unpredictable UK winter by being cautious and organised!

Start preparing for what’s to come today! Our helpful service staff at Central Audi VW can schedule a winter health check or servicing. to ensure that you are ready with all the above. specialising in SKODA, VW, Audi, and SEAT.