Get your car winter ready
Most winter breakdowns come from a handful of predictable causes. A little preparation in autumn saves a lot of hassle on the first freezing morning.
1. Fresh oil for cold starts
Old oil thickens in the cold and makes the engine work harder to start. A change before winter, with the grade your manufacturer recommends, helps the engine turn over easily.
2. Tyres with real grip
Check tread depth and pressure, which drops as temperatures fall. If you drive often in snow or into the mountains, dedicated winter tyres give far better grip.
3. Coolant that will not freeze
The right coolant mix protects the engine from freezing and cracking. We test its strength and top up or replace it if needed.
4. A battery that can cope
Cold weather reduces battery power just when the engine needs more to start. A quick test tells you whether yours will last the season.
5. Heater and defroster
A working heater keeps you comfortable and, more importantly, clears the windscreen fast. Make sure it blows hot and the rear demister works.