7 Simple Car Maintenance Tips UK Drivers Can Follow to Save Hundreds
As cold weather continues across the UK, drivers may face disruptions to their journeys. Additionally, colder temperatures increase risks on the road and the likelihood of vehicle issues if proper maintenance checks are not carried out during the cooler months.
Luckily, the experts at car parts marketplace Ovoko have revealed their top tips for ensuring your car is prepped for adverse weather conditions, potentially saving drivers hundreds in repair costs by following a few quick and simple steps.
Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, Kazimieras Urbonas commented:
“It is vital that drivers maintain their car as best they can year-round, however, colder weather can present more challenges. At this time of year, vehicles likely face extra wear and tear and heavier reliance on essential features such as windscreen wipers and heating systems. Staying proactive will not only help deter the risk of breaking down but ensure cars are safe and reliable.”
#1 Inspect Windscreen Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Effective windscreen wipers are essential for safe driving, ensuring clear visibility in rain or snow, and clearing any spray from other vehicles on the road. To check they are in good condition, run a finger along the wiper to feel for any damage or roughness.
If they are causing streaking or any unusual noise when in use, have them checked by a professional and replace them if needed. A new set of wiper blades typically costs up to £30—a small cost to deter big risks.
Similarly, it is common at this time of year that salt on the roads can cause excess build-up on windscreens, affecting visibility. So be sure to keep washer fluid topped up between the recommended levels on your vehicle to not risk running out and finding yourself in a hazardous situation. Importantly, in winter, check your washer fluid is season-appropriate and has the right concentration to prevent freezing.
#2 Inspect and Protect Your Car’s Exterior
While salt and grit on the roads when colder weather hits help drivers by making the roads safer, it is not great for your car’s exterior. Over time, it can affect the exterior paintwork and metal, even leading to rust in some cases.
Rust is not only unsightly but can also compromise the structural integrity of the car and be expensive to repair and difficult to stop once corrosion begins.
To protect your car from this seasonal wear and tear, make a habit of washing it regularly, paying special attention to areas where salt may accumulate, such as wheel arches and lower panels. For added protection, consider applying a protective wax after washing to maintain the paintwork.
Taking extra care of your car in these ways will not only extend the life of your car and reduce the risk of repair costs, but it will also preserve the car’s value when it comes to resale or trade-in.
#3 Ensure Lights are Fully Functional
Shorter days and bleak weather conditions in the winter mean that lights are used more than most other times of the year, and fully functioning headlights, brake lights, and fog lights are critical for safe driving.
Before setting off on journeys, check for any dim, flickering or burnt-out bulbs around the front and back of your vehicle. Not only does this provide a safety function but it also helps drivers avoid potential penalties for driving with faulty or non-functioning lights and costly emergency repairs.
#4 Check Heating and Defrosting Systems
While a warm car provides comfort for drivers and passengers and a welcome change to the frostiness outside, cars’ heating and defrosting systems are also vital for safety. They keep car windows clear of fog or frost, maintaining driver visibility.
Neglecting this check can lead to costly consequences, even increasing the likelihood of accidents. Plus, the repair or replacement of a car’s heating matrix can cost hundreds of pounds.
Avoid this by testing your heating and defrosting systems regularly, and if you notice weak airflow, a lack of heat or any odd noises, check this with a mechanic before the problem worsens—saving money down the line.
#5 Monitor Your Tyres
A vital safety check that drivers should be aware of is the state of their tyres—both the tread depth and tyre pressure. Winter tyres or well-maintained regular tyres ensure grip on roads, which is especially important in wet or icy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.
Driving with defective tyres can lead to dangerous situations of losing control in adverse weather conditions, but if you are stopped by the police and found to have tyres below the legal tread minimum (1.6mm), it can result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalties points on your licence per tyre. Most manufacturers recommend tyres be replaced once the tread is 3mm.
Keep an eye on your tyre tread depth and pressure (as specified in your car’s manual, since it varies by vehicle) to ensure safety for you and others on the road. Also, watch for cracks, bulges, or punctures, and have a specialist replace any tyres when needed
#6 Take Advantage of Garage Winter Checks
Many garages offer car safety checks for a low cost, with many nationwide names offering checks for free, including Kwik Fit. Winter is a great time of year to take advantage of these checks, which could pick up on any potential issues before they become more detrimental or risk a breakdown.
For example, one point included in health checks includes testing the car battery. Batteries are recommended to be replaced every three to five years, but the cold weather can put more strain on them and reduce efficiency. Through this check, drivers can have the peace of mind that their car should start with no issues when away from home and save on otherwise expensive recovery costs.
#7 Check Coolant Levels
Coolant plays a vital part in maintaining the health of a car engine and plays a key role during the harsh weather of the winter months, maintaining a constant temperature in the engine. Without sufficient coolant, there is a risk of significant damage to a vehicle engine, which could cost thousands to repair.
It is recommended that drivers check these levels at least twice a year, typically ahead of both summer and winter.
To check this, when your engine is cool (after the engine has been off for at least half an hour), check under the bonnet of the car and locate the vehicle’s coolant cap, which will be detailed in your car’s handbook. In the tank below, check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum levels displayed.
If it needs topping up, ensure that you have the right coolant for your car and dilute with water appropriately (usually 50/50, but check the car manual for your vehicle). However, if the coolant level has dropped, this should be checked at a garage to source why this may have happened and prevent further problems.
