Today we are going to be talking about the importance of a winter check on your vehicle. We advise that everyone has their car checked before winter to ensure that its ready for the cold months ahead and to avoid any unwanted problems or repairs.
So, what is a winter check? a winter check is exactly what it sounds like, a thorough check of the car and its components to ensure they're able to stand up to the cold weather associated with the winter months. We check all the things that are vital to keeping your car both safe and on the road. Keep reading to find out what an E & J Jarvis winter check consists of.
Lights & screen wash - Firstly our technicians will check that the lights are working by giving a visual inspection, any bulbs that aren't working will receive a recommendation for replacement. As the nights become longer, it's vital to ensure all lights are working - even if you don't drive at night. Secondly we check for screen wash levels and top up if necessary, a good screen wash will make keeping your field of vision at its best a much easier task.
Fluid levels - We then check all the fluid levels under the bonnet, so oil, coolant/antifreeze, power steering fluid etc and top up anything below the recommended levels. Antifreeze is especially important during the winter months to keep the coolant from expanding and causing internal damage to the radiator and other cooling components. Antifreeze also raises the boiling point of the engine coolant to combat overheating issues. After the levels are checked, we use a special tool to check that the coolant is still effective. Ineffective coolant will be unable to combat freezing so this is an important part of the test.
The wheels - We test the wheel bearings and make sure that the components surrounding the wheel hub are in good working order with no obstruction to their movement. Our technicians will also carry out a full inspection of the tyres by checking both the inside and outside for any bulges or deformations as well as looking for punctures. A tyre tread gauge is then used to measure the remaining tread and deciding whether it's necessary to change them or not.
Brakes & suspension - We check the brake system by giving them a visual check and testing their strength on our brake roller tester. We check the discs, pads, calipers and brake lines thoroughly. Next we check the suspension components by making sure that the shocks, springs and mounts are in good condition. Worn suspension can lead to a loss of traction, especially in the cold weather when you need it the most.
Battery - Most people will associate a dead battery with a cold morning, but that's only half the story. Over the summer, batteries are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear as the hot temperatures corrode the internal plates and vaporize the electrolytes at a much higher rate. Engines are relatively easy to start during the summer as the motor oil is often thinner but when the temperature drops and the oil thickens, engines become harder to crank and that's when the weakened battery finally gives up. We test your battery for wear and strength, allowing us to spot a weakened battery and replace it before it becomes a problem.
Floor inspection - Finally, we check under the car for signs of corrosion such as weakened exhaust mounts, we make sure to check for these issues to prevent any nasty surprises from occurring when a bracket fails or a part comes loose. This not only effects your own car but can also effect your insurance if a part from your vehicle hits another.
So, there's all the things we do during a winter check. - If you'd like to book one for yourself make sure to contact us today.
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