To help ensure your safety during these colder months we have put together this awesome 7-point winter driving checklist!
Whether you operate one vehicle or a fleet of hundreds, daily maintenance checks are more important in winter months than ever. Cold weather can present some of the most challenging driving conditions and when winter arrives it’s important to know your vehicle(s) is more than capable of dealing with extreme weather.
With only eight hours of sunlight each day and the mercury plummeting overnight, ensure your vehicle is road fit with our winter car maintenance checklist:
- Windscreen –Top up washer fluid regularly and give yourself extra time to de-mist your vehicle’s windows and wing mirrors; a rushed job could leave smears on your windscreen, making vision difficult in the low evening sun.
- Lights & Number Plates– Clean headlamps daily to ensure you can see and be seen. Dirt can quickly build-up, reducing visibility at night and in poor weather conditions. Wipe off excess dirt from your registration plate to make sure your vehicle is easily identifiable.
- Battery – Cold and damp weather is your battery’s enemy. If you have the correct equipment you can test a vehicle battery yourself, but it’s easier and recommended that you seek advice from a specialist. If this is something you need assistance with, swing past our workshop and we will gladly give you a hand.
- Tyres – It’s important to regularly check the tread depth and pressure of your tyres, which can improve braking and control in winter conditions.
- Anti-freeze– Ensure your anti-freeze is topped up regularly. Making sure you have the correct concentration is critical for the health of your engine. It is recommended to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. The concentrate is diluted with water before use and to ensure adequate cooling system protection a concentration of between 40% and 50% (by volume) is recommended. Again if you need help, we can assist!
- Oil level– Use your dipstick to check your vehicle’s oil levels weekly and top up if needed. Low oil levels could cause your engine to seize; leading to a breakdown.
- Winter car kit– It may seem a little extreme to carry an emergency kit with you, but winter weather can be unpredictable. Pack for every eventuality and ensure you have the following:
- Phone charger
- Warning triangle
- Warm clothing
- Hi-visibility vest
- A tow rope
- A torch
It’s hugely important to maintain the upkeep of a vehicle during the winter months, not only to conserve its value and improve fuel economy but also because inadequate maintenance can be dangerous and potentially cause an accident.
In many cases, vehicle faults can be identified by a simple walk-around check; by responding to a difference in the handling of the vehicle; and by reacting to warning lights as soon as they appear on the dashboard.
Randburg Auto Repairs specialises in prompt, affordable and reliable car services, repairs, seasonal maintenance and travel check-ups on all makes and models of cars, SUV’S and bakkies. No matter what year of manufacture. We are RMI certified and have a 5-Star MIWA rating.
For more information:
(011) 781-9629 | info@randburgautorepairs.co.za | No. 2 King Street Kensington B, Randburg
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Source: https://insights.leaseplan.co.uk/fleet-management/safety-risk/7-point-winter-checklist/
