Blog Layout
Winter Car Care
Kp Auto Services • Sep 24, 2021
Motor maintenance that’ll prepare your car for winter and see you through to spring.
If your car is due a service, get it done before the winter.
While the cold can cause lots of problems for cars, up to half of them can be prevented by regular servicing and maintenance checks," says Keith Miller, former AA Patrolman of the year.
Take advantage of our free winter car check
We will take a look at your tyres, battery, coolant and antifreeze, windscreen wipers, lights and oil.
Prefer to do it yourself....
1.Check your battery..
Checking your battery is one of the first things you should do. A battery has an effective working life of about five years.
If it’s on its way out, you could find yourself stuck in freezing temperatures.
The battery should be the priority.
During the winter months it suffers from a double whammy of cold temperatures – reducing the output – and the increased use of lights, heater and blower, which place it under additional strain.
If your car is having problems starting, get the battery checked out, and replaced if necessary."
2. Top up your engine coolant with antifreeze
This is essential for when temperatures plummet below freezing, but make sure you get the mix right.
Engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
You’ll need to top it up with antifreeze as it becomes diluted over time, people make the mistake of topping up with water during the year, so the antifreeze gets over-diluted and freezes during very cold weather.
This can lead to the engine overheating and a very large repair bill.
3. Check your tyres
As a car’s tyres are key to both steering and braking, it is essential they’re in good condition.
This is always the case regardless of the weather, but it’s of particular importance when it’s wet and icy.
Check tyres for pressure and tread depth, we recommend a minimum of 3mm depth during the winter, compared with the legal minimum of 1.6mm, as this gives better grip."
4. Clean your lights
Check that all lights, indicators and rear reflectors are clean.
Regular maintenance of your lights is crucial for driving safely, and it’s also the law, so it’s something else you should keep an eye on all-year round.
But, as with your tyres, it’s even more important to check them regularly in bad weather.
Don’t forget to also check full-beam headlights, fog lights and indicators.
5. Wash your windscreen and wipers
Give your windscreen a thorough clean inside and out and top up your screen wash fluid with antifreeze.
Run your finger down the wiper blades to check for nicks and tears says
Check for any chips in the windscreen, as these can grow in the cold weather. Also, touch up any chips in the bodywork as the salt deposits on the road will attack these.
6. Carry a winter car kit
Your winter car essentials could include:
A torch
Spare batteries
A blanket
A hi-visibility vest
Screenwash
Food and drink supplies
A scraper and de-icer
An atlas or map
Mobile car charger for your mobile and a charged power bank in case the battery on your car goes.
7.Check your breakdown cover
Comprehensive breakdown cover is crucial at this time of year and will give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t end up stranded in the cold.
Check your policy and remember to take a contact phone number with you on all journeys.
10. Other important areas
Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delay and check the oil.
Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights – they’re there for a reason.
If you have a bit of motor know-how, check your brake pads, discs and fluid to ensure the brakes are fast and responsive.
Ensure the fan belt and alternator drive belts are tight and not worn and that plugs and other leads are in good condition and secure.
Not bothered with all that faff? Give us a call and we will check your car over for you free of charge, we then discuss any recommendations or essential maintenance and if you would like us to get it sorted we can do no problem.
Call 01626 366649 or Contact us here
Meet Leah, a determined and passionate young woman who chose to challenge societal norms and pursue her dreams in the world of mechanics. Leah initially studied beauty at South Devon College but soon realised that her true passion lay elsewhere. It was when she started helping out at her Dad's garage that she discovered her genuine interest in mechanics. Driven by her newfound enthusiasm, Leah decided to switch gears and embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of engines and grease. She's been loving every moment of her apprenticeship, relishing the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of mechanics and follow in her Dad's footsteps.👨🔧👩🔧 But Leah's ambitions don't stop there! With traditional mechanics under her belt, she's already setting her sights on the future. She's eager to broaden her horizons by delving into the fascinating world of electric vehicles, staying ahead of the game in an era of sustainable transportation.🌱🚗⚡ Among the many four-wheeled wonders that fuel Leah's dreams, the iconic Japanese Skyline holds a special place in her heart. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and undeniable charm have captured her imagination. And who knows, maybe one day she'll have the joy of owning one herself! Leah's journey is a testament to the fact that passion knows no boundaries and that women can excel in any field they choose. Let's celebrate her determination, courage, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for all those who dare to break stereotypes!
UK staycations are all the rage this year, for obvious reasons! Which means those long car road trips and hopefully glorious sunshine. Hot weather can cause all sorts of damage to your car. Here's a few simple checks to ensure you don’t end up stranded at the roadside this summer. Can't be bothered with all that faff, get in touch and let us sort it out. Recharge Battery failure is one of the most common reason for car breakdowns, and high temperatures can shorten the life of your car battery if it's not properly sealed because the electrolyte can evaporate more quickly. So check the fluid level in your car’s battery and top up with distilled water if necessary. Low-maintenance (sealed) batteries don’t have filler caps and don’t need topping up. It is still worth checking the battery for corrosion and leakage of battery acid.
Finally the suns shining, the Euros are starting on Friday this means one thing to us here at KP Auto Services! Beers and BBQ. So we thought lets talk about something other than cars, so naturally food was next! We have put together some stress free BBQ tips and a list of some of our fav burger toppings to add more sizzle to your shnizzle.