Cold weather is tough on vehicles. These checks before winter arrives keep you moving when temperatures drop.
Winter in West Yorkshire can be challenging — freezing temperatures, ice, and reduced visibility all increase the demands on your vehicle. A few simple checks before the cold weather arrives can prevent costly breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.
Battery Check
Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity. A battery that copes adequately in summer can fail to start the engine in sub-zero temperatures. If your battery is 3 years old or more, have it professionally tested. A battery load test takes just a few minutes and can tell you whether it's likely to fail this winter.
Antifreeze / Coolant Check
Your engine coolant must contain sufficient antifreeze to protect your engine down to at least -25°C for UK conditions. Insufficient antifreeze can cause the coolant to freeze, crack the cylinder head, or damage the radiator. We can test antifreeze concentration quickly with a refractometer.
Tyres
Cold temperatures make rubber harder and less grippy. Tyre pressures also drop in cold weather (roughly 1 PSI per 10°C drop). Check pressures monthly in winter. If your tread depth is below 3mm, consider replacement before winter — wet stopping distances increase dramatically with worn tyres. Some drivers in Yorkshire's hilly terrain opt for winter tyres, which remain pliable and grippy below 7°C.
Lights
Winter means driving in the dark more often. Check all lights — headlights, fog lights, brake lights, and indicators — are working correctly. Clean lenses of dirt and grime to maximise light output.
Windscreen and Wipers
Check washer fluid is topped up with a winter-grade screenwash that won't freeze in the nozzles or on the windscreen. Inspect wiper blades — they degrade in summer UV but the damage shows in winter when you need them most. Replace if they streak or skip.
Oil Viscosity
If your car is serviced with a multigrades oil like 5W-30 or 5W-40, the low-temperature performance (the '5W' rating) means it flows adequately in cold conditions. If you're running an older vehicle with thicker oil grades, discuss whether a more suitable winter oil grade is appropriate at your next service.
PKA Automotive in Keighley offers winter vehicle checks. Book early — we get busy as the cold weather arrives.
PKA Automotive Ltd
Expert car and commercial vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance in Keighley, West Yorkshire. Serving customers across West Yorkshire and beyond.