While spring may soon be upon us, there’s still plenty of time left for some winter road trips in Victoria. Whether it’s a trip to Lake Mountain for tobogganing with the kids or a daring run down the steep slopes of Mt Hotham, here are a few tips from the Cox Auto family for getting your car ready for winter conditions.
Get your car serviced
Can’t remember the last time you had a service? Don’t wait until you’re half-way up the mountain to discover that your radiator isn’t ready for the conditions ahead. Book your car in for a service and let us know if you’re headed to the snow and we’ll pay close attention to the particular needs of your car in those conditions. When you service your vehicle at Cox Auto, we’ll meet your logbook servicing needs and provide you and your car with a premium service experience unmatched by dealerships. From our welcoming shopfront (complete with complimentary barista-made coffee and free WiFi) to the flexibility to prepay for easy pick-up, we are here to bring the human touch. We even have loan cars available to keep you on the move while we get your car ready for that weekend away.
Check your tyres
Wet and slippery conditions can make for tricky handling, so it’s all the more important that you check that your tyres are safe and ready to go. The more worn your tyres are, the less safe they will be in alpine conditions, where your braking distance may be doubled. If you’re heading somewhere where you’re likely to be required to fit chains to your tyres, make sure your vehicle is suited to the task. Some wide-based, low profile tyres and rim combinations may not be suitable for chains due to lack of suspension clearance. Check ahead with information services at your destination so you know ahead of time if and when you’ll need to fit chains to your vehicle.
Check your battery
Cold conditions can affect battery performance and may lead to failure if combined with poorly maintained terminals, connections and charging system. Basic checks you can carry out yourself include making sure that your battery terminals and connections are clean and free of debris. Better still, pop into Cox Auto and we can run an expert eye over your battery for you!
Clean your lights
You’ll be surprised how much difference a quick clean can have on the performance of your headlights – helping you see the road ahead and helping others see you. In poor light, make sure you drive with your lights on low-beam, use fog-lights when appropriate and don’t forget you can use your hazard lights in poor conditions to warn others of danger. Don’t forget to clean each brake light, as well.
Wash windscreen and wipers
A small smudge in normal conditions will very rapidly become a hazard in cold wintery weather! So before you hit the road, give your windscreen a thorough clean, inside and out. If your windscreen wipers are showing any sign of perishing, have them replaced, as they will be critical to keeping your vision clear on the drive ahead. When you’ve reached your destination, lift your wipers off the windscreen to prevent them from freezing while you’re away from the vehicle.
Check your defroster, air conditioning and heater
Test that your defroster (front and back), air conditioning and heater are all in good working condition: all three will be necessary to keep you comfortable and to ensure clear vision of the road ahead. Check that the intake vents at the base of your windscreen on the outside of the vehicle are clean and free of debris – these vents will draw fresh air into the vehicle to help you fight off interior fog and condensation.
As European and prestige car specialists and driving enthusiasts, we know how to get your car ready for a winter adventure. So if thinking about what you need to do to get your car in top shape for the snow is overwhelming, leave it to us. Our specialist technicians make sure both you and your car receive a premium service experience so that you can relax and focus on the fun you’ll have on the slopes.
