As temperatures plummet and the winter weather sets in, our car retailers in the south east are offering our top tips to help local drivers prepare their cars for journeys during the festive season.

Cold weather, dark days and freezing conditions can play havoc on the roads, causing hazardous conditions and a build-up of traffic for drivers – especially at Christmas time. But with awareness of these dangers and a little preparation, there’s no reason to be nervous.

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your car to ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the season throws your way.

1. Plan Ahead and Pack Supplies

It's important to plan your journey before setting off, as well as being prepared for any mishaps that could happen on the way. During the colder months, it's wise to keep an emergency kit in your car, including; blankets, water and snacks, a shovel, de-icer and scraper, warning triangle, first-aid kit, Volvo's puncture repair kit and a fully charged phone.

2. Clear Windows and Mirrors

Adding defrosting your windscreen to your daily routine can be frustrating; to get ahead and reduce the chances of ice forming, consider parking your car overnight with the front window facing east. The sun will be a big help and make scraping the ice much easier in the morning. Alternatively, you can get a car cover to protect against the harsh weather conditions.

3. Test Your Tyres

Tyres are your connection to the road, so it's crucial that they are in good condition; ensure that you're checking regularly that they are correclty inflated. The legal minimum level of tread is 1.6mm. However, during the winter, it's advisable to have tread of at least 3mm, as this will help your car grip the road when driving on slippery surfaces.

A quick trick to test the tread depth is to use a 20p coin. Insert the coin into one of the grooves on the tyre and check if the rim of the coin is no longer visible; if the coin is still visible, it't time to replace your tyre.

4. Get the Juices Flowing

Ensure that you check your coolant is at the appropriate level and mixed correctly to prevent it from freezing as the temperatures drop. Refill your windscreen washer fluid with a winter-grade solution that won't freeze in minus temperatures and will effectively remove autumn build-up.

If your car is due an oil change, you should check and replace the oil as well as the oil filter to keep the engine running smoothly. You should also consider to replace the cabin air filter, which can become clogged with things like pollen and dust from the summer months.

5. Get a Free Vehicle Repair

Be minfdul that freezing temperatures increase the risk of winscreen chips turning into bigger problems and causing dangerous cracks. At Endeavour Volvo Cars, we offer a free windscreen and tyre damage repair service for any Volvo driver - regardless of their car's age.

To use the service, Endeavour Volvo drivers can book their car in to have a qualified technician check the damage. Often, we can resolve this straight away - providing an efficient and stress-free service that is completely complimentary.

To book this in, you can contact your local Endeavour Volvo retailer directly, or fill out the enquiry form below.

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