Located in the north of England, Yorkshire’s weather is known for being highly unpredictable. Despite experiencing some warm and sunny weeks during the height of the summer months, Yorkshire’s weather is largely rainy and windy, with extreme drops in temperature, often accompanied by ice and snow, during the winter months. On top of taking your car for an annual service and MOT, looking after your car on a regular basis will ensure you are always prepared for unforeseeable changes in Yorkshire’s weather throughout the year.
If you’re finding that you’re regularly experiencing car troubles such as constantly needing to refuel, your electrics playing up, or an otherwise unreliable driving experience, it could be time to think about changing your car, especially with the icier weather approaching. Visit your local car dealer in North Yorkshire to assess your options and look at bringing home a new set of wheels.
Fuel
When setting off on a journey, always make sure you have enough fuel in the tank to make it to your destination and back again. Where possible, stay aware of your nearest fuel stations to avoid running out. If you’re concerned about running out on longer journeys or in unfamiliar areas, read through RAC’s guide to saving fuel.
Engine Oil
Engine oil is essential for the smooth functioning of your engine, helps to transfer excess hear away from the engine, and protects your engine’s interior. However, around 30% of UK drivers’ engine oil levels are dangerously low. Without attention, this can lead to catastrophic engine damage and can cause your car to breakdown. This is why it’s so important to regularly check that your engine oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick, remembering to top it up if necessary.
Tyres
Every time we use our car, we are driving over uncertain ground which could contain rough or sharp objects that can damage your tyres. Tyres with splits, bulges, or tears can be extremely dangerous to drive with. To avoid these risks, regularly check your tyres for any abnormalities. If you find any safety issues in your tyres, replace your tyres immediately before you drive your car again.
Furthermore, maintaining a safe tread depth on your tyres of at least 1.6mm, or 3mm in winter, is extremely important for traction and grip. Without a good tread on your tyres, your car will have a harder time braking and your risk of aquaplaning increases considerably.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant keeps your engine at a suitable temperature, allowing it to function properly. If your car has the wrong engine coolant levels, this can quickly lead to a frozen engine or your car overheating. This should need checking less often than other areas of your vehicle but should definitely be checked before long journeys or road trips.
Electrics
From your headlights to your battery to your air conditioning system, your car is full of electrics that are necessary to keep you safe on the road. There are a few things you can check at home to ensure your electrics continue to function as they should. For example, have somebody walk around your car to ensure all the lights are working, including having the other person tell you if your break lights show up when your brake is pressed. You can also check the terminals of your battery to ensure they are clean and tight; any corrosion should be cleaned off with hot water. If you find any issues with your battery, have it checked by a professional mechanic.
Screen Wash
The screen wash is very easy to check. It is easily recognisable under your bonnet; the tank usually has a large, blue, plastic top and an image of a windscreen on top. You can choose between screen wash concentrate which you can mix yourself or ready-to-use screen wash which is slightly more expensive. Keeping this topped up is important all year round to remove smeared bugs, bird droppings, mud splashes, or any other hindrances from your line of sight while driving.
Thank you for reading.
