AUTOFORUM - Informed and innovative

Vehicle Maintenance Tips For Winter

Jul 17, 2015 Midas, RoadSafety, AA, Aftermarket, maintenance


Road deaths in South Africa are among the highest in the world, and according to Johan Jonck from Arrive Alive, most road accidents are attributable to human error – disregard for the rules of the road, including unsafe following distances and unsafe overtaking, speeding, drunk driving and driver fatigue.
 
He adds that 10% of accidents occur as a result of “vehicle error” – when poor vehicle maintenance overlaps with human error. And as winter sets in, vehicle maintenance becomes even more important.
 
“Winter temperatures in South Africa can have a real impact on your vehicle,” says Michael Turnbull, Midas Group, Marketing Manager. “The cold season magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling. At Midas, we care about the safety of all road users, and we align ourselves with reputable brands so we can stock quality products for our consumers’ needs.”
 
According to the Automobile Association, the top five things that should be well maintained in winter are a car’s cooling system (radiator), battery, windscreen and windscreen wipers, tyres and lights. This is a great reminder for your customers and your own vehicle or fleet.
 
Use antifreeze
 
The vehicle cooling system protects the engine against damage by ensuring that it operates within normal temperature ranges. Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the coolant and raises its boiling point, so for your car’s cooling system to work effectively, its antifreeze levels must be kept topped up, and the system shouldn’t contain rust, dirt or mineral deposits. Antifreeze also makes it easy to notice any leaks in the system.
 
Care for your battery
 
Batteries tend to give more problems during winter, as a result of the increased amps drawn by the starter to crank the cold engine. The best way to avoid winter car troubles is to ensure your car battery is in good working order: keep its water (electrolyte) level topped up, using only distilled water (water that’s boiled and been allowed to cool). Clean the terminals regularly with warm (not hot) soapy water and remove any acid or dirt which may have accumulated on the battery case.
 
Always check your windscreen and wipers
 
If your car has to stay out in the cold, there will probably be a layer of frost blanketing the windscreen in the mornings. Don’t be tempted to use warm water to get rid of the ice, as this may cause cracks in the glass. Rather use a scraper – an old credit card works well. Wiper blades must be in good condition and need to be inspected regularly. Don’t use your wipers to clear mud and soil from the windscreen – this could scratch the glass.
 
Make sure your tyres are in good shape
 
Tyres must always be in an overall good condition – not only the tread, but the sidewalls as well. And maintaining tyres at the correct pressures is of the utmost importance for optimum roadholding and tyre life.
 
Check your lights
 
Winter usually means more driving in the dark, so it’s very important that all the lights on the vehicle are in good working condition and that the focus of the headlights is correctly adjusted. Keep a spare set of globes in the cubbyhole, just in case.
 
• As a precaution, keep your vehicle stocked with jumper cables, a torch, a blanket, extra clothes, bottled water and a basic first-aid kit.
 
Back