Preparing your car for winter

Keep things running smoothly in winter by giving your battery, ignition system, lights, fanbelts and tyres a little extra attention.

Battery

In winter, your car’s electrical components have to work harder, so it’s the time of year when your battery is most likely to fail.

• Keep the terminals clean and tight. Dust with a cloth to prevent build-up, and keep an eye out for sulfation.

• Avoid parking on the lawn, as condensation can collect on the engine and ignition parts which can cause current leakage.

• Check the water level regularly, topping up with distilled water so it’s just above the plates. (Many modern batteries are sealed and may not require this).

• If you suspect a problem, get your battery tested by an auto-electrician – and if in doubt, change the battery before it lets you down.

Ignition

• Make sure the distributor, spark plugs, leads and all ignition components are in good condition.

• Check for loose or corroded connections and spray all ignition leads with a silicone spray.

• If your car is hesitating, using excessive fuel, or generally sounding rough, have it serviced by an expert.

Lights

• Check the operation of all your lights. This includes examining the lenses for cracks, because water seeping into the lamps can cause corrosion of the contacts and globe failure.

• Keep all lamps clean. If you stop on a long journey, clean the lamps – this will ensure your visibility is always at the maximum. Carry some spare globes in case of emergency.

Drivebelts

• Make sure you check the condition of your belts before winter by turning off the engine and looking for any cracks or deterioration. Minor cracks can very quickly turn into breakages, so change any suspect belts.

• You should also check the belt tension. Your owner's manual will help you with this, or you can ask your mechanic. It's a good idea to carry a spare belt in your boot, just in case.

Tyres

Tyres are one of the most neglected parts of a car, but as the only contact between you and the road, they’re also extremely important. Wet roads, especially in winter, can be a major hazard if your tyres aren’t up to scratch.

• Low tyre pressure can lead to excessive tyre wear, damage to sidewalls, and poor handling and braking performance, so make sure you check the pressure regularly. Your car should be cold when you do this – that means having travelled 3km or less.

• Check your tyres for uneven or excessive wear and sidewall damage, and replace any that are suspect. Remember, the minimum legal tread limit in Australia is 1.5mm.

• If you’re unsure, speak to a tyre specialist.

Additional checks

• Check all fluid levels regularly. Use a windscreen cleaning solvent in the washer bottle, and keep a clean cloth handy to clean the windscreen and lights.
• A new set of windscreen wiper rubbers can improve your visibility. They will also enhance your safety and the safety of other road users.
• Don’t forget to have the heater checked and ensure that the front and rear demisters are working. 

Last updated: April 2021