Cold weather can be as tough on cars as it is on people. This means that it’s important to take particularly good care of your car over the winter months. A little prevention can save you a lot of time, hassle and money. Here are four tips to help.
If you have a new car make sure you know how it works
If you’ve just bought a car, then make the time to set it up properly and really get to know it under the bonnet. Don’t just look at the manual, open the bonnet and check that you can identify all the main components. Then check that you can actually take off the battery cover. This will make your life a whole lot easier if you ever need to jump-start your car.
Make sure that you actually keep the manual, at least in digital form. You may want to keep a copy on paper. Used cars don’t always come with manuals, but you can generally find them online.
Clear out your car
Anything which increases wind resistance or adds weight to your car will increase your fuel consumption. This applies all year round. In summer, however, the minimal wind and warmer temperatures make it less of an issue.
In winter, by contrast, your fuel efficiency is already reduced due to the cold weather. This means that lugging around any unnecessary extras can add a lot to your fuel costs. Only fit your roof rack when you are actually using it and be disciplined about clearing out your car at the end of each trip.
Clean and tighten your battery leads regularly
Even the best batteries struggle in cold weather. Making time to look after your car battery properly can prolong its life significantly and hence save you a lot of money. Check your battery once a week and clean off any corrosion you find. Then make sure that the clamps are tight. This is really important as loose clamps make it even harder for the current to flow.
Keeping your battery in good condition will go a long way to starting your car in cold weather. You’ll help yourself even further if you start your car the right way. Turn off all electrical accessories and then press down, very lightly, on the clutch as you fire up the ignition. This gives your car the gentlest, possible start and, hence, preserves your battery.
Cut out the idling
Idling dates back to the days of carburettors. Back in those days, engines needed to be heated slightly so they could achieve the correct air-to-fuel ratio. Those days, however, ended about two decades ago. Any car made since then almost certainly has an electric fuel injection system. This can achieve the correct air-to-fuel ratio at any temperature.
In modern cars, idling just wastes fuel and can lead to engine damage. What’s more, if you have your car idling on a public road, you could find yourself being fined for it. Even in a driveway, you’re increasing your risk of having an accident or having your car stolen. Instead of leaving your engine to idle, just drive off slowly and your car will warm up on its own.
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