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Preparing for winter
RAC attends thousands of flat battery calls every year and some of these calls can be avoided by simple maintenance. Your battery, ignition system, lights, fanbelts and tyres need special attention with the onset of winter.
Battery
The winter is the most likely time for your battery to fail. It's the time when all the electrical components are working hardest and the battery is often the weakest link in the chain.
- Keep the terminals clean and tight; it's a good idea to coat them in petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion build up.
- Check the water level regularly and keep it topped up with distilled water so that it is just above the plates.
- Many modern batteries are sealed and may not require this.
- If you suspect a problem with the battery have it tested by an auto electrician and if in any doubt change it before it lets you down.
Ignition system
- Make sure the spark plugs and leads, the distributor and all ignition components are in good condition.
Check for loose or corroded connections and spray all ignition leads with a silicone spray.- Don't ignore the warning signs, if your car is hesitating, using excessive fuel and generally sounding rough, have it serviced by an expert.
Lights
- Check the operation of all your lights.
- Examine the lens for cracks; water seeping into the lamps can cause corrosion of the contacts and globe failure.
- Keep all lamps clean; if you stop on a long journey clean them.
- This will ensure your visibility is always at the maximum.
- Carry some spare globes in case of emergency.
Fanbelts
The fanbelts can drive your water pump, alternator, power steering and air conditioning - but not the fan. The fan is electrically driven on most modern cars. - If your fanbelt breaks you might find the car overheating, the battery flat or the loss of power steering and air conditioning.
- Any of these scenarios are potential disasters and should be avoided at all costs.
- Check the condition of the belts before winter.
- While the engine is off, you should be able to see any cracks or deterioration of the belts.
- Minor cracks can turn into breakages very quickly, so change any suspect belts.
- Check the belt tension, your owner's manual will help you with this.
- If you are unsure ask your vehicle repairer to do the work.
- It's a good idea to carry a spare belt in your boot, if you can't fit it, somebody can.
Tyres
Your tyres are the only contact between you and the road when you are driving and they are also one of the most neglected parts of the car.
Check the tyre pressures regularly and should be cold when checked, this means having travelled 3km or less. - Low pressure can lead to excessive tyre wear, damage to sidewalls and poor handling and braking performance.
- Check for uneven wear, excessive wear and sidewall damage, replace any suspect tyres.
- Remember the minimum legal tread limit in Australia is 1.5mm.
- If unsure ask a tyre specialist.
Additional
- Check all fluid levels regularly, use a windscreen cleaning solvent in the washer bottle and keep a clean cloth handy to clean the windscreen and lights.
- Have the heater checked and ensure that the front and rear screen demisters are working.
- A new set of windscreen wiper rubbers can improve your visibility and enhance your safety and the safety of other road users.
