As we head into autumn and winter approaches, it's a good idea to take a few steps now to ensure your car is ready for the colder months, after all; doing it while it is still warm and the weather is still relatively settled is far easier than trying to fix something on the side of the road in the cold, wet depths of winter.
So here's a few top tips to help you prepare your car for winter as we head into autumn.
Prepare for wet conditions
Winter in New Zealand means rain, so making sure your car is ready for the onslaught of water is essential, and easier to do know while it is still relatively dry.
Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition. Wiper blades should be replaced regularly to ensure clear visibility and if they streak, leave patches or chatter across the windscreen, they need replacing. Likewise, if they look worn or have visible damage, they should be replaced now rather than later when you need them.
Check your tyre pressures and tread. Road conditions can change with increased rain which means your tyres will need to work harder. Check that your tyres have plenty of tread to cope with the changing conditions, and if the tread is wearing thin, it's time to replace them.
Remember that for every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tyre pressure can decrease by one PSI, so continue to regularly check your tyre pressure as the weather starts cooling. The correct inflation pressure can be found in your car's owner's manual. Don't forget to check your spare tyre or spacesaver as well.
Ensure visibility. As the days get shorter it is vital to make sure all your lights are working correctly. A quick walk around your car with them on (including the hazard lights!) will quickly reveal any issues. Also, verify your heating and demister are functioning well for colder mornings and to prevent fogged windows.
Maintain clear airflow and drainage
Check, clean, or replace your vehicle's pollen and air filters. These can easily become clogged with leaves and sticks during autumn, so making sure they are clear now could save you a whole lot of hassle as winter approaches. Ensuring these filters are clear will help your engine breathe properly and your heater fan and vent system work effectively throughout winter. You can have this done during a service or as a separate job.
Leaves can also block your vehicle's drains and channels, causing water to back up and potentially leak into the cabin, damaging electrical components. This damage might go unnoticed until a problem occurs, which can be expensive to fix, so checking and clearing any visible blockages now could likewise save you a headache later on.
Protect your car's exterior
Later in autumn, after most of the leaves have fallen, give your car one last deep clean and wax before winter hits. This will help protect the paintwork over the wet months and remove any lingering leaves that might be hiding.
To prevent paint damage from sap, pollen, and acids, don't let leaves build up on your car. Wet leaves left to rot can cause unsightly stains or blemishes that can be permanent if not caught early. Pay attention to areas where leaves accumulate, such as bonnet and boot seams, as trapped leaves can hold moisture and lead to rust once the paint is damaged.
Ensure leaves and sticks are removed from under your windscreen wipers to maintain their effectiveness.
Review other essential checks
Of course, the usual seasonal checks also apply as we head towards winter, and it is a good time to check and top up your car's vital fluids such as brake and transmission fluid, windscreen washer fluid and radiator coolant and, of course, oil.
Check your belts and hoses, inspect your battery (and check its fluid level), have your brakes checked and on top of that, consider that now is also a great time to prepare an emergency kit for colder weather, particularly if you live in an area that gets snow in winter.
By taking these steps during autumn, you can significantly improve your car's readiness for the challenges of winter weather.