3 Cold-Weather Preparations That Professionals Undertake To Winterise Cars

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While snow is a relatively rare occurrence in most parts of Australia, wet and slick winter roads are common. Winter can easily take a toll on the performance of your car if you don't take adequate care, causing perilous driving conditions that threaten the safety of you and your family. The best car mechanics will equip your car with adequate safety precautions to properly prepare it for winter. Here are some winter preparations that professionals undertake to effectively winterise cars.

Testing Batteries

The best car mechanics will double check the car's battery to ensure that it is in good working condition, providing ample power for when the cold weather starts. This is extremely important as you don't want to be stranded with a dead battery on a cold winter's night.

Checking Brakes

Worn out brakes require more time to stop and can pull the car towards one side when applied. Car mechanics will check your brakes and undertake any necessary repairs. Proper brakes are essential when driving on cold and wet roads.

Change Tyres

A professional mechanic may recommend changing your tyres in preparation for winter. This is because worn out tyres tend to lose their grip on wet and slippery roads – especially when you slam the brakes hard to make an emergency stop. For enhanced road safety, car tyres must be properly inflated and should have sufficient tread. The best car mechanics will ensure that your car tyres are well prepared for winter.

Replace Old Wipers

Mechanics also check for components like wipers to ensure good visibility at all times – this is especially useful when it rains heavily or when heavy fog affects visibility. The best mechanics ensure proper visibility by changing old and worn out wiper blades. Seeing is a critical part of driving – you need proper wiper blades to withstand any type of driving condition and specialised winter blades may prove to be money well spent. You may also want to keep some windscreen antifreeze solution handy, in case it starts to freeze up.

What Can You Do To Prepare?

While the professionals do their job, you should also do yours by equipping your car with a flashlight, drinking water, food supplies and a blanket in case of an emergency breakdown. You must also allow sufficient time to get to your destination and drive slower without making any sudden moves. Visibility is important, so keep your lights on and turn the wiper blades on regularly to clear your windscreen.

Car mechanics like Federation Automotive will ensure that your car is properly prepared for winter, but these important steps you take will ensure enhanced safety while driving in winter.

25 March 2015