How to prepare your car for driving in colder months

Au revoir, thongs. Goodbye, singlets. See you in a bit, stubby shorts.

Yes folks, it’s time to break out the tracksuits, ugg boots and puffer jackets because summer is officially in our rear-view mirrors.

And whether you’re a fan of the colder months or prefer the hot, summer days and balmy evenings, it’s time to properly prep your car for driving in chillier temperatures.

Wondering what’s actually involved in the process?

Check all your lights are working

The days are shorter throughout autumn and winter, which of course means it’s darker more. As such, you’re going to be relying more on your lights - all of them.

Do a full check of headlights (including high beams), taillights, brake lights and blinkers. Then hop inside and make sure your instrument and dash lights are fully operational as well as your interior lighting.

Check tyre treads

When rain is a much more common occurrence and overnight temps can drop below zero, a good set of tyres can (literally) be a lifesaver. Take a look at each of your tyres’ treads to see if any need replacing, because even a bald-ish tyre can have devastating consequences in slippery conditions.

You should also check their pressures and fill as necessary at your local servo. That includes your spare, too.

Keep your windows clean

Giving all of your windows a thorough clean inside and out means you’ll have clear visibility in the potentially grimey, rainy conditions. This also involves your side view and rear view mirrors.

And if and when they fog up due to condensation before your demister kicks in properly, avoid using your hand to wipe the window as it will then require cleaning again. Instead, use a sleeve or designated cloth you store in the centre console or glovebox.

Never, ever use hot water to melt frost/ice

Do you want a cracked windscreen? Because that’s how you get a cracked windscreen.

Instead of using hot water, go with a jug of cold tap water - it’s warm enough to get the job done and there won’t be any cracks to deal with afterwards.

Buy a brand new car with a fantastic financing package

Reckon it’s time to upgrade your current ride for something that’ll handle better when the mercury drops? Stratton Finance is here to provide you with expert car financing assistance whenever you need it.

We’ve been operating in the industry for well over 20 years now, during which we’ve grown a gigantic network of lenders we’ll tap into so you see the best possible financing outcomes every time. Find out how fantastic your monthly repayments could be using our online car finance calculator and apply online in under 5 minutes today.

If you’re after some more information about our services or would prefer to go through the car financing application process with us, feel free to call us on 1300 787 288. Alternatively, send us an online enquiry and we’ll be in touch soon.