Five tips for winter car care that are totally better than any other tips on the subject

Temperatures are plummeting and winds whip the treetops as icy rain falls in desultory fashion, trying its best to become snow. And the snows will be here soon, if weather forecasts are to be believed and if this winter is anything last the last one. Newspapers warn of the worst winter since 1947. Now I don’t remember quite what that was like but I’m sure it was pretty bad! Basically, it’s going to be cold.

An immediate effect of a harsh British winter is on our ability to get around. It quickly makes a mockery of public transport schedules and it also tests the ability of our vehicles to get us from A to B. But thankfully there are a number of things you can do to look after your car this winter, in order for it to look after you.

 

winter car care by SkyFireXII
winter car care by SkyFireXII

1) Check your engine’s antifreeze

You can get a tester kit to check your antifreeze level, to make sure you have enough to prevent your coolant from freezing up in a mid-winter chill. A mixture of roughly 50% water and 50% antifreeze should do the trick and keep your engine purring like a kitten with a face full of tuna.

2) Ensure good visibility

Visibility is often impaired in midwinter as snow and frost cover windscreens and interiors get steamier than a night in a sauna with Scarlett Johansson. Stock up on de-icer to clean your windscreen on a morning or use tepid water to get rid of frost and ice. Also carry a cloth for wiping condensation off the inside of your windscreen, because it helps to see where you’re going.

3) Check your belts and hoses

Engines are full of rubber belts and hoses and if any of these components are showing signs of wear they could break in extreme cold temperatures. The same goes for the elastic in your underwear. That last bit might not be true.

4) Keep an emergency kit in your car

People are advised to carry an emergency kit with them every winter, but does anyone really do it? Probably not many, but you will be thankful for one if you break down in the middle of a blizzard or get stuck in a snowdrift miles from home. Your kit should include a flask of hot drink, warm clothing or blankets, a torch, some food and water. Maybe a magazine too, because solo eye spy can get boring after a couple of hours.

5) Invest in snow chains

If you want to avoid the annoying whir of your tyres spinning impotently on your street you should invest in some snow chains. They’re available for just about every wheel size and they could help you cruise past rows of stranded cars, shouting ‘Later suckers!’ You don’t have to do that last thing; it’s a bit mean really.