Midas Winter Motoring Tips
Midas Car Care Tips
Look after that battery
To keep your car and battery running all year round, drive your car regularly – at least once a week ideally. Park in a garage if you can and get a free battery test from Midas if it feels a little sluggish in starting. Keeping your battery fully charged will help it last longer and perform better.
Light it up
Ensure others can see you, and you them, by making sure all lights are working properly and correctly. Use fog lights or dip your lights when travelling in foggy conditions as blasting them on full results in the light being reflected back at you, making visibility harder. And don’t forget to turn-off your full beams for oncoming traffic too.
For brakes sake!
Did you know wet or icy roads increases the time you need to brake by up to double? If you can hear any squealing or grinding when you brake, get them checked immediately. This could signal the pads are so worn they’re touching metal. Book your free brake check at Midas if you’re at all concerned. To also help you stop in the wet, increase your following distance and reduce your speed.
Keep windows & mirrors clear
Winter often equals reduced visibility. Allow additional time to clear windows and mirrors and check wipers are working. Clear a foggy windscreen by starting your demister with cold air, then gradually increase the temperature. And only pour lukewarm water over frosts – hot water can cause windscreens to crack! If your wiper blades are older than 12 months, we recommend getting them checked to avoid streaks.
Get a grip!
Make sure tyres are properly inflated. Over-inflation can actually reduce grip. Check your manual to find out what level your car tyres should be. If possible, replace your tyres before they hit the minimum tread (1.5mm deep) and keep an eye out for the tread wear indicator, which are small bars of rubber between the tread blocks. If you see these, your tyre has reached its wear limit and MUST be replaced. Finally, make sure you use chains and or snow tyres in the snow.
Handy extra items
A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher is a good idea, as well as tools for changing tyres, a torch and mat. Also handy is a disposable raincoat and protective gloves and a multi-tool knife. An emergency reflective triangle and high visibility vest can be the difference between someone spotting you on the side of the road and colliding with you!