Ten hints that your car isn't winter-ready

Winter cold can make any underlying technical issues with your automobile worse and potentially cause a breakdown. We've created a list of things to watch out for to assist prevent the more avoidable breakdowns since we'd rather prevent our members from breaking down in the first place than have them endure the inconvenience of being stuck at the side of the road.

Here are our top ten warning signs, from things you might notice while driving to regular inspections you should perform before you travel.

1. Keep in mind your "FORCES"

F is for FUEL

Make sure you have adequate gas for the trip. Heavy traffic and frequent stops and starts, especially in wintry weather, cause cars to use more fuel.

O is for OIL

Always remember to check your oil level and top it off as necessary to prevent engine damage and potential breakdowns.

R is for RUBBER

Your car's performance can be greatly affected by the condition of its tires. If they aren't worn evenly, the steering may be broken or the tyre pressures may be out of balance.

To maintain optimal grip in wet and even snowy conditions, make sure all four tires have at least 3mm of tread and are properly inflated.

Additionally, check the wiper blades to make sure the rubber has not worn out and that they are clearing the screen adequately.

C is for COOLANT

Make sure it is filled to the manufacturer's suggested levels and has the correct amount of anti-freeze.

E is for ELECTRICS

Make sure that all of your lights, including your brake lights, fog lights, and indicators, are functioning properly. Replace any blown fuses or defective bulbs.

S is for SCREENWASH

Using a high-quality screenwash that works in cold weather will top off your windscreen washer fluid. Keep in mind that lower temperatures necessitate a more concentrated solution.

2. Winter brakes provide a different sensation.

Since brakes are the most crucial component of a car's safety system, it's critical to monitor wear rates, particularly during the winter when grip may be at its lowest.

Get things checked out by a trained mechanic if you're unsure. Strange grumbling noises, a car dragging to one side, or a "long" spongy brake pedal could indicate a problem with the braking system.

3. Cold-start engine rpm that flare

The primary sign that your car's clutch is slipping is flaring engine rpm under strong acceleration.

If so, replacing the clutch is the only affordable option; there is no other option.

Do not leave it as doing so could harm your flywheel, which could then harm your engine. Instead, call a reliable shop as soon as you can.

4. Sudden knocking noise

A worn wheel bearing or driveshaft coupling may make an intermittent knocking or droning sound, especially when navigating turns.

If ignored, this could eventually result in expensive suspension and hub assembly damage, which would result in drive being lost.

To identify the issue, you should get the vehicle evaluated at a reputable mechanic.

5. Moisture in the air on windows that has accumulated

Where rain doesn't fall throughout the winter, constant freezing, thawing, and condensation can cause water to build. There are a variety of ways that a leak in your car's seals could cause water to enter the electrics, including engine misfires, broken electric windows, and broken door locks.

You can take it to a mechanic or try to find the problem on your own by soaking the problematic region.

6. Engine stall

If the engine struggles when you ask for acceleration, there may be a problem with the fuel system, or, more simply put, you are out of fuel.

Your car may have disturbed some sediment in the tank and sucked it past the fuel filter, causing a slight blockage, if you've allowed it to operate on very little gasoline or diesel.

7. Engine lag 

Alternately, the stuttering may be caused by spark plugs or spark plug leads that have become so worn out that they aren't functioning properly.

In either case, each of these issues have the potential to harm the engine, therefore it's important to have a trained technician examine them right away.

8. A frozen car door

Getting into our cars is something we take for granted, but if your car won't start in the winter using the remote central locking fob, try a spare key if you have one.

Make sure to replace the battery on a regular basis, particularly if you notice the fob working erratically.

Use the emergency key, which is typically located inside the remote control, if that still doesn't let you inside.

9. A hard knock

It's never a good sign when an engine makes loud knocking noises from within. If your car starts to rattle loudly, turn off the engine right away, then check the oil level on a level surface.

Fill it up with an appropriate quality of engine oil if it's below the minimum on the dipstick or not even showing up at all.

If it disappears, you might have avoided a problem, but if not, you might be looking at a very pricey repair or replacement over the holidays.

10. Engine won't start in cold weather

Mechanicals and electronics can suffer damage from subfreezing temperatures.

Your car's starter motor may be jammed or your battery may be dead if the engine won't start. Even while it's not really a preventative step, this will at least show you exactly what the potential problem is so you can decide what to do next. 

Look for a healthy car that can jump-start you or charge your car battery. If it occurs again, your battery might be nearing the end of its useful life or your alternator might not be correctly charging the battery.