Winter Car Checks

More Essential Winter Car Checks from Pontypool Accident and Repair Centre – If you get into the very good habit of investing a small amount of time and money into the winter car needs on a regular basis you will ensure the continuing safety when out and about especially in the winter!

Why You Should Check Your Tyre Tread

Tyres are easily the most critical part of your winter maintenance routine and checking the state of your car’s tyres can save your life and others. Remember that wet roads require deeper tread to maintain an acceptable displacement of water and prevent aquaplaning.

Why Tyre Pressure Is Important

Tyre pressure is just as important to car safety, and this should be checked as frequently as possible. The freezing cold air contracts, so tyre pressure will reduce the colder it gets even though tyres will warm up once the car is on the road. Check your cars user manual for recommendations for cold weather tyre pressures and check them every week when cold – it is worth it.

Tyres Garages Near Me

Significant changes in the tyre pressure could also be indicative of slow punctures or other related problems which are better dealt with while near a good auto centre at the weekend, in daylight, rather than on the side of the road on a dark wintery and cold night.

Is Your Car Battery Charging Properly

Did you know that most car batteries have an average life expectancy of around five years so if your vehicle’s battery is coming to the end of its life it is best to check it, or outright change it before the winter arrives and you get caught out.

Apart from running out of petrol a flat battery is perhaps one the most frustrating things to happen, especially in the winter cold snow and rain. According to the RAC this accounts for around a third of all vehicle call outs and it is easy to forget the additional strain batteries must deal with in the winter months with additional heating and the increased use of lights whilst travelling – so get it replaced.

Carry A Winter Car Emergency Kit At All Times

All the good motoring advice in the world is totally useless if you do not have a plan for when things unexpectedly go pear-shaped. So, why not ensure you have a winter safety pack in your car and remember to tailor it to your specific needs, especially if you travel with vulnerable or young family members such as children or the grandparents. In extreme circumstances, you could land up on the side of the road overnight and in this weather that not good!

Garage Services Near Me

Are you looking for a garage in Pontypool? At PARC Ltd, we have been an established independent garage since 1999. We have been offering our reliable and extensive services to customers throughout South Wales for 20 years, and we can help you. Whether you need vehicle repairs, a MOT test or car recovery, our friendly team can meet all of your requirements. We are proud to be Which? Trusted Traders, so you will always receive the best service.

At Pontypool Accident and Repair Centre we do so much more than just new tyres and MOT’s! Did you know we offer winter car checks as well as a range of garage services to keep your car on the road this winter?

All you have to do is develop the habit of devoting a small amount of time and money to your winter car’s requirements, and you’ll ensure its continued protection, comfort, and usability when it’s most required – on those cold winter days.

Why You Check All Your Cars Lights

Make sure your headlights, brake lights, and side lights are clean and free of debris or snow on a regular basis. If your car’s headlights aren’t as bright as they should be, it’s one thing, but in heavy rain, snowy, or foggy weather, brake lights that aren’t working properly put you at risk from other drivers who might not be able to see you.

It’s important to double-check that all of the bulbs are in working order, as well as your fog lights. When driving in South Wales, fog can appear unexpectedly, and well-functioning fog lights can help keep you safe in dangerous situations – see and be seen is still the best slogan!

Why You Should Check Your Oil Levels

You must check your oil levels on a regular basis with the dipstick (under the hood). Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to check your oil levels, but the engine should be cold in general.

Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth or kitchen towel, and completely reinstall it in the engine. Remove it again, and you should be able to see the oil level depending on the dipstick markings. This crucial fast check will save hours of waiting on the side of the road with a seized and damaged engine by standing in the rain for a minute.

Check Your Windscreen For Cracks

Windscreen wipers should be tested both in the summer and in the winter, but they are one of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance. Rainwater, as well as the salty grit that is strewn around our sidewalks, erodes the rubber in wipers over time.

While you’re at it, look for any minor chips in the windscreen; these can usually be quickly repaired, but if left unchecked, a bad chip can turn into a crack during the cold winter months. To prevent more expensive repairs, most insurers have free windscreen repair services, so it’s still worth double-checking the policy before bad weather strikes.

Check Your Anti-Freeze

Whether it is a quick jolly down to the local supermarket or you are planning a long journey to the family for Christmas, you will want to stay inside the car when it is cold. Check that the radiator is working properly and well-sealed. And make sure you fill up with antifreeze. The extra few quid you spend on anti-freeze could potentially save hundreds on engine and radiator repairs.

Read more Winter Car Checks.

Garage Pontypool

Are you looking for a garage in Pontypool? At PARC Ltd, we have been an established independent garage since 1999. We have been offering our reliable and extensive winter car checks to customers throughout South Wales for 20 years, and we can help you. Whether you need vehicle repairs, an MOT test or car recovery, our friendly team can meet all of your requirements. We are proud to be Which? Trusted Traders, so you will always receive the best service!

The winter months are coming and a lot of us find ourselves thinking how we can maintain our cars in the winter. Well here you go, some of the top car maintenance tips. By spending a small amount of time and money you can then rely on your vehicle all winter long with safety and comfort.

Windscreen Wipers

It’s always a good idea to check the rubber on your windscreen wipers for erosion and damage which may affect their performance. It’s recommended (depending on the number of miles you do) to have your wiper rubber replaced at the start of each winter.

How To See And Be Seen In Pontypool

Before travelling make a few checks with regards to the lights on your car to help you and other drives with visibility in the terrible weather conditions we no doubt see. Ensure head and tail-lights are clear from any debris, dirt or marks that may prevent visibility. Both being seen and being able to see are factors to consider in the winter to make sure you and others are safe. As well as this, well performing lights are key in the MOT, so check your bulbs to make sure you have the best vision you can.

Anti-Freeze Methods

For a journey of any distance in the winter it is recommended that you check that the radiator is working to it’s full capacity and is sealed correctly. Ensure you have enough anti-freeze fluid and do not travel if you do not have a fully functioning radiator, it can get quite cold out there!

Why You Should Check Your Oil

Every car will be different but there will always be a way to check your engine oil levels. This should be checked before every long journey but in winter conditions it is best to check it regardless as it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Battery Power

Car batteries are naturally put under a lot more strain in the winter months and are more likely to drain. The battery has a lifetime of around 5 years so if you know yours is getting old it’s better to replace it just in case. There’s nothing worse than a battery going flat in the cold and rain!

Winter Tyres Near Me

Possibly the most critical part of your winter car maintenance is checking the tyre tread and pressure prior to travelling in difficult weather conditions. Deeper tread is required when the roads are wet so make sure your tyres are fit for the weather you’re driving in. Checking your tyres is crucial for the winter months, closely followed by tyre pressure.

As the cold air contracts tyre pressure reduces in the winter months, making driving more dangerous. If the tyre pressure drops too low you run the risk of punctures and other forms of tyre damage. It’s much better to prepare your tyres than have an unfortunate breakdown in the cold and rain.

Winter Car Emergency Kit

When travelling in the winter, expect the unexpected. It’s always advised to prepare a simple emergency kit so that in the worst possible scenario you have some of the essentials needed to help you through a breakdown. Winter car maintenance is something that should be take seriously as it could potentially save your life.

MOT Pontypool

Are you looking to book an MOT Pontypool? Then look no further than PARC Ltd. Established since 1999, our garage in South Wales has been performing MOTs for motorists across the region for 20 years.

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