Winter Car Care Guide, Customer Protect

1. Keep your car safe and running during the
winter with these simple tips
For more information, visit CustomerProtect.co.uk

2. OIL AND OIL FILTERS
• All cars come with instructions from the
manufacturer regarding the oil recommendations.
Make sure that you’ve filled your oil in accordance
with the guidelines for your vehicle.
• Keeping your oil replaced inline with manufactures
recommendations is key to ensuring your vehicle
runs smoothly in any weather, especially in damp
and cold conditions.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

3. ANTIFREEZE
• Antifreeze is a critical part of your winter car care
routine as it’s the fluid that goes into your car’s
engine to ensure that it doesn’t freeze in cold
weather.
• Check your vehicle handbook for ratio of mixture
and for type of antifreeze because adding
incorrect antifreeze to your coolant system may
result in damage to your engine .
• Your local garage will be able to test your coolant
system if required.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

4. TYRE TREADS AND PRESSURE
• Your tyres are the link between your car and the
road, so you’ve got to be sure that they’re in the
best possible condition.
• Each tyre has a recommended PSI level (usually
printed in your vehicle manual) and it’s
important to ensure that your tyres are inflated
to that guide line.
• Tyre treads should be in good condition and not
completely worn down ‐ you need them to
ensure good traction in poor conditions. A
minimum of 3mm is recommended.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

5. BRAKES
• The late autumn is definitely a time to check that
your brakes are still in good enough shape to last
you through the winter as stopping suddenly can be
impacted by seasonal weather conditions.
• To check that your brakes are winter‐ready, ensure
that the brake pads are still thick. Some brakes have
an indicator, advising you when they need to be
changed.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

6. WINDSCREEN
• Visibility is massively important in winter driving,
so be sure that, even in harsh weather conditions,
you’ve taken the few simple possible safeguards
to see as clearly as possible.
• This includes replacing the wiper blades if you’re
having any issues with them, your windshield fluid
is topped up, and there aren’t any chips or
scratches in your windscreen.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

7. LIGHTS
• In the dark evenings and mornings during the winter
months, ensuring your lights are in working order is a
very simple but important check. Since the days are
shorter, you’ll need the lights on longer.
• Check that your headlights, driving lights, brake lights,
signal bulbs, full beams and tail lights are all working
as they’re supposed to.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

8. BATTERY
• One of the most common car faults is the battery failure,
so make sure you get your battery checked if you’re
worried it might not last through the season winter,
especially if it’s older than five years.
• Your local garage will be able to test the condition and
security of the battery to prevent any issues over the
winter period.
• Try not to leave your car stationary for lengthy periods of
time, and ensure that you turn everything off (lights and
radio included) when the vehicle is not being used.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

9. CABIN AIR FILTER
• If you’ve got an air filter in place in your vehicle, it’s a
good idea to replace it before the cold winter days as
this will assist with improving the quality of air flow
and ventilation through the vehicle cabin.
• If you are unsure of the condition . Have it checked
by your local garage.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

10. WAX
• If kept unchecked, rust can be a massive problem for car
owners. It isn’t just unsightly, but it can also lead to other
issues like corrosion sending otherwise fine cars to the
scrap heap.
• To prevent against the elements and salt and keep your
car’s appearance at its best, make sure to wax your
vehicle regularly.
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013

11. EMERGENCY KIT
A classic winter emergency kit kept in the boot is one of the most
important things to get your car ready for the winter. Make sure to
include:
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Anti‐freeze and de‐icer
Torch
Jumper cables
Thick rope
Small shovel
Sand
Blanket
First Aid Kit
Energy Bars
Mittens, hats, and socks
© AutoProtect Administration Limited 2013