Get your car winter ready

With winter just around the corner, now is a good time check your car is ready to tackle the cold, wet and possibly snowy conditions safely. We’ve put together a list of car care tips and things to check to keep you moving this winter.

Check your tyres

If your tyres are underinflated you’ll lower the fuel economy of your car and shorten the lifespan of your tyres, not to mention your car steering, handling and grip can be significantly compromised. Overinflating will also shorten your tyres lifespan, so it’s important to get it right. Look in your car’s handbook for the correct tyre pressure or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Ensuring the correct amount of tread on your tyres will make a difference to how your car handles in wet conditions and how quickly you can stop. A simple test to measure tread depth is by placing a New Zealand 20 cent coin upright into the centre grooves of your tyre. If you can see the number 20 it’s likely you’ll need to look at purchasing new tyres.

Make sure all your lights are working

With shorter daylight hours and more driving to and from work in the dark, it’s important to check your exterior lights are working and are kept clean for optimum visibility.

Take care of your car battery

The lower winter temperature makes is harder for your car’s engine to turn over so, when you start the ignition, wait a few moments before switching on the headlights and cranking up the heat.  EV drivers are not exempt here either, the cold weather can have a negative impact on battery power output so it pays to keep your EV fully charged.

Look after your windscreen

Keep the inside of your windscreen clean with glass cleaner and avoid using your hands on the glass to get rid of a fogged-up screen. Also, if you notice streaking when your windscreen wipers are on and it’s affecting visibility, it probably time to get new wiper blades.

Make use of a garage, if you have one

Now might be a good time to clean out the garage or carport and keep your car there overnight during the winter months. Your battery will thank you for it and you’ll improve on fuel consumption if your engine is warmer before starting up.

Get your car serviced

To extend the life of your car and keep it running smoothly, aim to get it serviced every 10,000 kilometers or once every 12 months (every autumn is a good way to remember). Shop around for a car service, there are a range of packages available to suit all budgets.

And last but not least, drive to the conditions

Rain, fog, shorter daylight hours and black ice can all lead to accidents on our roads. Adjust your driving to suit the conditions and avoid sudden breaking. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and get to your destination safely.

If you’re thinking about financing a new car or have any questions around applying for a car loan, please get in touch with our friendly team, we’re here to help. Alternatively, if you have a loan with Oxford Finance and are experiencing an unforeseen change in your financial situation, don’t leave it too late to contact us or call 0800 88 44 66.