Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Car

Australian cars, winter maintenance is important even though Australia generally experiences milder winters compared to some other countries.

Here are some tips for winter maintenance for Australian cars:

• Check the battery: Cold weather can affect the performance of your car’s battery. Make sure it is in good condition and has enough charge to start your car in colder temperatures (view article on battery replacement).
• Inspect the tyres: Check the tire pressure and tread depth. Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, so make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels (more on tyre wear and inflation here).
• Check the antifreeze: Make sure your car’s coolant is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing in the radiator or to a mix recommended by your vehicles manufacturer. This is important even in milder Australian winters (further information on coolant here).
• Replace wiper blades: Visibility is crucial during winter, so make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if necessary and remember to ensure your windscreen is clean and free of road grime and dirt (more on wiper blades).
• Test the heating, Ventilation and AC system (HVAC): Ensure that your car’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is working properly to keep you warm during colder days, and, it is also vital to demisting/keep visibility of the windscreen.
• Inspect lights: Check that all lights on your car are working properly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Winter days are shorter, and visibility is reduced, so proper operation of lighting is essential.
• Carry emergency supplies: It’s a good idea to keep emergency supplies in your car during winter, such as a flashlight, roadside warning triangle and a first aid kit – in case of emergency situations such as punctured tyre.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is prepared for the winter season, no matter how mild it may be in your region.

An Autobahn professional technician can advise you on the correct pre-winter maintenance for your car.