• Top up oil and water levels and ensure that you dilute antifreeze and screen wash to a winter concentration.
• Inflate your tyres to the correct pressure and check that there is at least 3mm of tread (almost twice the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm). Clearing water becomes even more essential in wet winter months and a deeper tread will make the task much more efficient.
• Use a quality de-icer spray and a scraping tool to clear ice from your windscreen. Don’t use hot water to defrost the windows as it can crack the screen. On the inside, if your car has air conditioning, use it with the heater to speed up the de-misting process.
• Regularly wash your vehicle with a quality bodywork shampoo to remove salty deposits and road grime. Never use washing-up liquid as it can speed-up paintwork corrosion. Additionally, an application of a high-quality car wax will protect and preserve your paintwork.
• Take care of your car’s battery as cold weather combined with the use of lights, heaters and wipers can accelerate its deterioration. Make sure your engine is running before switching on any electrical systems to preserve the battery’s life.

If you need help with any of these ideas, or if you’d like more information, please get in touch with us.