Winter Checks You Can Do At Home

The clock changing means we’ll be driving a lot more in the dark, along with winter weather on the way, now is a good time to give your car a check over. We’ve put together a few easy checks you can do at home to help make sure your car is safe and ready for adverse driving conditions.

Lights
Ask someone to check that all your lights are working as you turn each one on and off including your indicators, headlights and brake lights. Replacing bulbs is quick and cheap but essential in keeping you and other drivers safe. We have a #tipthursday with more details.

Brakes
Check your brake fluid levels. If it’s low, top it up asap as this will affect the efficiency and safety of your brakes. Also, check your car’s manual to see when/if a brake fluid change is due. Visually inspect your brake discs. If there is a lot of corrosion, this can be a sign it’s time to replace them. We do advise as good general car maintenance to replace your discs & pads every 2 years. Any noises, judders, or sudden changes while driving may mean your brakes are needing to be checked over and there could be an issue with them.

Tyres
Give your tyres a good look over and inspect for any cracks, tears, bulges and wear. Ensure the tyre pressure is correct for your car, we have more on this here. Tyres that are in poor condition can affect your handling of the car, stopping distance and can make your car unsafe to drive.

Wipers & Windows
Checking your wipers and windows is easy. (You can find out more here.) Check your windows for any cracks and chips, as these can impact the safety of the glass. You can also check your wipers yourself by lifting them away from the window, and inspecting them for any cracks, tears or nicks in the rubber.

If you have checked anything on your car and are concerned about it, then we can investigate further with our Free Vehicle Health Check. From there, we can advise of any repairs or parts needed to ensure your car is winter-ready and safe. We always say prevention is better than cure, so nipping issues in the bud as soon as you can also help to save time and money. Leave a comment below or call the office for more details.

Brake fluid intervals. What are they and how can they help keep your car safe?

Your brakes have to be one of the most important parts of your car, so its important to keep them maintained and in good working order.

An integral part of the braking system is your brake fluid, which over time can age, wear out and may have collected impurities, moisture or rust. Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid, which works very cleverly by transferring the force of your foot pressing the brake peddle into pressure which then stops the car. If there are any problems or issues with your brake fluid, then this could result in a loss of your brakes.

This is where brake fluid intervals come in. We recommend having your brake fluid checked yearly to monitor its condition and that its of good working order. This is also a good chance to spot any leaks which will affect your car’s ability to brake. We’d also recommend booking a brake fluid flush every 2 years or 20,000 miles to ensure it’s clean and effective for braking safely. Your own car manual will also advise of when and how often your make and model should have this done to keep it running to manufacture’s spec.

If you feel a change in your decreasing power, sudden changes in braking, noises when braking or the ABS light comes on, it may be time for a brake fluid flush. Or at the least, booking in for a check to diagnose the issue. Again, loss of brakes and poor braking could effect the safety of your car. If you have any worries or concerns about your brake fluid or brakes, please get in touch by leaving a message below or calling us in the office. Remember, we are a Pagid/ IMI Professionally Accredited Brake Specialist so you can be assured your car is in safe hands.

Maitland Motors: Brake Specialists

Maitland Motors – Pagid/IMI Professionally Accredited Brake Specialist.