3 minute read
New season, new service! Winter is over, and spring has just begun, which means if you haven’t already, that it’s time to do a seasonal check on your car to ensure you travel safely this spring season. Here are some things you should look out for to prepare your car for warmer weather and drives!
1) Tyres
While we’re fortunate enough to deal with only mild winter weather across most areas of Australia, despite not having to swap out our tyres for icy terrain, cooler temperatures can stress your vehicle’s tyres. Make sure to check the following when it comes to your car:1
Tyre Pressure
Since cold air compresses and hot air expands, it’s common for your tyres to deflate during winter, with the average tyre pressure reducing by .19PSI (Pound-force per square inch) for every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature. While it’s good to get into the habit of checking your tyre pressure every fortnight, if you’re unable to, checking on it seasonally can still be helpful.
Did you know? To find out what pressure is ideal for your vehicle’s tyres, consult your vehicle manual or check the sticker inside the driver’s door frame.
Tyre Tread
Depending on the type of tyre you have, your tyre’s tread life can be affected by changes in the temperature. Colder temperatures can see rubber materials freezing or hardening, resulting in rigid tread that loses traction and produces uneven formations, leading to premature wear when driving.
Did you know? Most new tyres start off with an 8mm tread. It is recommended that you change out your tyres when your tread depth hits 3mm.
If you drive on “all-season tires,” you can extend the set’s life by having them rotated seasonally.
2) Car Fluids
During winter, your engine works a bit harder than usual, and condensation and moisture build-up can create wear in your vehicle. Each car will have different fluid types and accessibility, but it’s still worth it to check for drop levels in the following and top or replace them according to your vehicle’s manual:2,3
- Coolant
- Brake Fluid
- Clutch Fluid
- Windshield Washer
- Power Steering Fluid
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Engine Oil + Filter
Did you know? Engine oil becomes thicker in colder weather, flowing more slowly through the engine and eating up fuel supply to keep running. The lower the viscosity of your engine oil, the easier it can pump through an engine, increasing fuel efficiency.4
3) Wiper Blades
Excessive use and cool weather can dry out and crack your windshield wiper blades. Replacing front and rear wipers just in time for the sun showers brought about by spring can mean the difference between a clear windshield and a safe drive or obscured vision and a dangerous situation.
Did you know? Most cars don’t require tools to replace wiper blades, and replacements can often be purchased at your local vehicle accessories retail store.
4) Car Battery
Car batteries can undergo more strain in winter than in summer because we rely more on the car’s heating and defrosting system, windshield wipers and headlights. With most batteries functioning optimally at 26.7 degrees Celsius, it’s important to ensure your battery is charged and functioning. On average, car batteries need to be replaced every 4-5 years depending on various factors and usage, so keeping tabs on when you last changed them is a good habit to get into.5
Did you know? Not using your car for prolonged periods can lead to a dead battery. One-hour drives at least once a week should be enough to keep your battery charged.
Staying up-to-date with regular vehicle maintenance not only reduces the running expenses involved with owning a car but increases your safety on the road.
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