Citygate

As winter approaches, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the challenges of cold weather driving. From icy roads, foggy mornings and freezing temperatures, the winter months can be tough on your car. This is why winter car maintenance is essential - not only for your vehicle’s performance but also for your safety on the road.

Welcome to Surviving the Cold, Citygate’s winter campaign designed to help you keep your car in top condition during the colder months. Over the course of this series, we’ll cover everything from preparing your car for winter to driving safely in snow and ice. Our goal is to provide practical tips and expert advice that ensure you’re fully equipped to handle whatever winter throws your way.

In this first post, we’re focusing on car maintenance - specifically the steps you can take now to avoid costly breakdowns and improve your vehicle’s performance during the colder months. These simple but crucial maintenance tips will help you ‘winter-proof’ your car and keep it running smoothly when you need it most.

1. Test your Car Battery

Winter can be particularly tough on your car battery. Cold temperatures cause the chemical reactions inside the battery to slow down, which can reduce its efficiency. A battery that might seem perfectly fine in warmer weather can struggle to hold a charge when the temperatures dip. To avoid being left stranded, have your battery tested before winter sets in. If your battery is more than 3 years old, it may be time for a replacement.

2. Top Up Fluids

Ensuring your car’s fluids are properly topped up is essential for winter driving. Start by checking your coolant levels and topping up with antifreeze if necessary. This will prevent the engine from freezing and ensure it runs smoothly during cold weather. Next, check your engine oil. Cold temperatures can cause oil to thicken, making it harder for the engine to start. Finally, don’t forget your windscreen wash - choose one designed for winter to keep the fluid from freezing, even when the temperatures drop.

3. Inspect Your Brakes

Brakes are crucial for safety in all driving conditions, but they’re even more important in winter when wet, icy, or snowy roads can make stopping distances longer. Have your brakes inspected to ensure they’re in good condition, with sufficient pad thickness and no signs of damage. If you notice any signs of wear, such as squealing, grinding, or a soft brake pedal, don’t delay in contacting us.

4. Check your Lights 

As winter days grow shorter and daylight hours decrease, your car’s lights become more important for visibility - both for you and other drivers. Inspect all headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and indicators to make sure they’re functioning properly. Clean your headlights and taillights regularly to remove road salt and grime, which can reduce their brightness and effectiveness.

5. Test your Heater and Defroster

A well-functioning heater and defroster are crucial for comfort and safety in winter. Not only do they keep you warm on cold mornings, but they’re also vital for clearing fog, frost, and ice from your windscreen. Test both systems early in the season to ensure they’re working efficiently. If you notice any issues, such as poor air circulation or the inability to clear the windows, call us at Citygate and we will be happy to take a look.

Winter driving can be unpredictable, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your car is ready for the challenges of the season. To help you with this, at Citygate, we are offering a full winter health check for just £30! Our experienced technicians will carry out a detailed check of your vehicle, making sure it is fully equipped to tackle the winter season safely. For more information, click here, offer ends end of February 2025.