
Looking After The Family Car
Running a busy household often means taking time looking after the family car. By keeping the vehicle in good condition, you’ll improve the experience you get from driving it. Your performance and fuel economy will remain as good as possible, and you’ll reduce the risk of a breakdown, too.
During winter, regular maintenance is particularly important – since, at this time of year, the stress on the car might be all the greater. But exactly what does the right maintenance look like?
Preparing Your Car for Winter
Winter might place particular demands on the vehicle. For example, the road surface might be wet and slippery. It’s a good idea, therefore, to check the tread on your tyres. In some cases, you might even consider switching to winter tyres, which are made from a special kind of rubber that will remain pliant even at lower temperatures. Snow socks are another option that might be very useful in rural areas that receive a lot of snowfall.
Another area of concern might be the battery, which might be more prone to failure in colder weather, especially if the vehicle is starting on a frosty morning. Antifreeze levels should also be carefully monitored and replenished where possible.
Regular Maintenance Checks
It’s a good idea to perform a handful of key checks whenever the vehicle is going to be used. These might involve your oil levels, your brakes, and your wiper blades – each of which is designed to be periodically topped up or replaced. Scheduling this event before the worst of the cold weather is due will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and other problems.
Scheduling Your MOT and Service
By law, every road vehicle that’s older than three years is required to undergo an annual test of its roadworthiness. You can book MOTs online and thereby ensure that you don’t miss them. Also worth arranging are regular services, especially if you’re putting in plenty of miles over the course of a year.
Keeping the Interior Comfortable and Safe
There are other parts of your car that are very nice to have during winter. The heating system, for example, might be tested to make sure that it can keep the interior comfortable, and the windows clear. You might also stash a pack of essential items, like first-aid kits and de-icer, beneath a seat. When an emergency occurs, you’ll be glad you did so.
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