Essential Winter Checks by Tivoli Auto Services
Ensuring Your Car is Ready for the Cold Season
As winter approaches, ensuring your car is ready to face the challenges of colder weather, icy roads, and longer nights is crucial.
At Tivoli Auto Services, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in top shape, especially when conditions become more hazardous.
Our specialist technicians are trained to carry out a series of essential winter checks to ensure your car remains safe, reliable, and comfortable during the colder months.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key winter checks you should have done and why they’re so important to avoid potential dangers on the road.
1. Battery Health Check
One of the most common issues drivers face during winter is a flat or failing battery. The cold weather strains your car’s battery, particularly because it requires more power to start the engine and operate essential features like heating and defrosting. Additionally, older batteries can struggle to hold a charge in colder temperatures. Not addressing this issue could lead to a potential breakdown in harsh winter conditions.
Why it’s important:
- Batteries lose around 35% of their power when temperatures drop to 0°C and can lose up to 60% in sub-zero temperatures.
- A battery failure could leave you stranded, potentially in harsh winter conditions.
What we do: Our technicians at Tivoli Auto Services will test your battery’s charge, assess its overall condition, and check for any signs of corrosion or damage to the terminals. If your battery is weak or nearing the end of its life, we can replace it before winter sets in to ensure your car starts reliably every morning.
2. Tyre Tread and Pressure Inspection
Your car’s tyres are in contact with the road, and they play a vital role during winter when roads can be icy, wet, and covered in snow. Proper tyre maintenance can dramatically improve traction and reduce the likelihood of skidding or losing control in adverse conditions.
Why it’s important:
- The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but for optimal winter performance, we recommend at least 3mm.
- Cold temperatures cause tyre pressure to drop, which can negatively impact handling and fuel efficiency.
What we do: Our specialists will measure the tread depth of each tyre, ensuring they meet the recommended standard for safe winter driving. We’ll also check and adjust tyre pressure if necessary to ensure optimal performance on slippery roads. If needed, we can advise on or fit winter tyres designed to provide superior grip in colder conditions.
3. Coolant and Antifreeze Levels
Coolant and antifreeze are vital for preventing your engine from freezing in cold weather. During winter, ensuring your car has the correct balance of coolant and antifreeze is essential to keep your engine operating smoothly, even in freezing temperatures.
Why it’s important:
- Without the correct antifreeze levels, your engine could freeze, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.
- Proper coolant levels help regulate your engine’s temperature, preventing overheating and freezing.
What we do: At Tivoli Auto Services, we’ll check your car’s coolant and antifreeze levels and top them up if necessary. We’ll also inspect for any leaks in the system that could reduce the coolant’s effectiveness.
4. Brakes Inspection
Brakes are always a critical safety feature, but they become even more essential during winter when stopping distances increase due to wet or icy conditions. Ensuring your brakes are in perfect working order is one of the most important checks you can make before winter.
Why it’s important:
- Stopping distances on icy roads can be up to 10 times longer than on dry roads.
- Worn brakes reduce your ability to stop quickly, which can lead to accidents, especially on slippery surfaces.
What we do: Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your brake pads, discs, and fluid levels. If any component is worn or not functioning optimally, we’ll recommend repairs or replacements to ensure your braking system is ready to handle the challenges of winter driving.
5. Lights and Visibility Check
With shorter days and longer nights, ensuring your vehicle’s lights are functioning properly is crucial for both seeing the road ahead and being visible to other drivers. Poor visibility is a major cause of accidents in winter, so this is a vital check.
Why it’s important:
- Headlights, brake lights, and indicators must be clear and bright for safe driving in dark or foggy conditions.
- Frost, snow, and rain can impair visibility, making it harder to see the road and other vehicles.
What we do: Our team will check the condition and alignment of your headlights, taillights, indicators, and brake lights to ensure they’re all working correctly. We’ll also inspect your windshield wipers for wear and tear and check that your washer fluid reservoir is filled with a winter-ready formula to prevent freezing.
6. Heating and Defrosting System Check
During winter, having a fully functional heating and defrosting system is essential for comfort and safety. A malfunctioning defrosting system can result in poor visibility, while a heating failure can make driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
Why it’s important:
- A well-maintained heating system ensures comfort during long winter drives.
- Properly functioning defrosting systems are essential for keeping your windshield and rear window clear of fog and frost.
What we do: Our technicians will check your car’s heating and defrosting systems, ensuring they’re working efficiently. We’ll inspect for any blockages, leaks, or damage in the system and make necessary repairs to keep you warm and your windows clear throughout winter.
7. Exhaust System and Emissions Check
Cold weather can exacerbate existing issues in your exhaust system, potentially leading to increased emissions and reduced performance. A well-maintained exhaust system is essential for safe and efficient driving during winter.
Why it’s important:
- A damaged exhaust can lead to harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, leaking into your car’s cabin.
- Ensuring your exhaust system is in good condition can prevent costly repairs and ensure your car passes its MOT.
What we do: Our team will conduct a thorough inspection of your exhaust system, checking for leaks, rust, or any damage that could compromise your vehicle’s performance or safety.
8. Fuel System Check
Winter can also take a toll on your car’s fuel system. It’s important to ensure your fuel lines, filter, and pump are in good condition to avoid breakdowns or fuel leaks.
Why it’s important:
- A well-maintained fuel system ensures your car performs efficiently in colder conditions.
- Leaking fuel lines can be a fire hazard and result in poor fuel economy.
What we do: Our specialists will check your fuel system for any signs of wear, leaks, or blockages. We’ll replace the fuel filter if necessary and ensure everything is working as it should be.
Why Choose Tivoli Auto Services for Your Winter Checks
At Tivoli Auto Services, we understand the importance of keeping your car safe and roadworthy throughout the winter months.
Our team of specialist technicians is trained to carry out comprehensive winter checks, ensuring every aspect of your vehicle is ready to handle cold temperatures, icy roads, and unpredictable weather.
With our expert care, you can drive with confidence knowing your car is prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
Contact Tivoli Auto Services today to book your essential winter check and stay safe on the road this season.