Racing driver Lydia learns how to get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
Lydia Walmsley, racing driver and Morris Lubricants Ambassador, has been catching up with Morris Lubricants technology manager, Adrian Hill, to find out how to get your car ready as the colder months return. So, what are the top tips for driving in the winter months?
When it comes to safety, a clear windscreen, correct tyre pressures and a fully operational braking and steering system are critical and could save you from an accident, injury or worse and save other road users from the same possible fate.
For windscreens, Adrian recommends the use of a good quality screenwash at the maximum dilution rate of 50% (half water / half screenwash). A good screenwash such as Morris Lubricants Workshop Pro All Seasons Screenwash will not only help clean the screen, removing all the mess that winter road surfaces throw up at the car - salt, mud, etc – but it will also stop the water in the mixture from freezing when temperatures start to plummet. Some screenwash products come pre-diluted so check before you dilute.
Brake fluid will always be changed, if scheduled, during a routine service. However, it’s worth checking the brake fluid level when the bonnet is up. If the fluid level has dropped below the minimum fill level, take steps to top up with the correct fluid type as specified for that vehicle. This will ensure that the brake system will work effectively, especially if there are electronic controls fitted, such as ESP for example. These systems will definitely help you to stop safely if road surfaces are slippery or muddy. Morris Lubricants has a range of brake fluids so it is best to check with our technical team or use whatoildoineed.com to find out the perfect brake fluid for your vehicle.
When it comes to tyres, it is critical to ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure as indicated in the vehicle’s handbook. This will ensure the handling of the vehicle will not be affected. Of course, this applies all year round, not just winter. If road surfaces are slippery, over inflated tyres, especially on the front, can impair the vehicle’s steering responsiveness.
The power steering system also relies on the correct level of fluid to ensure positive and smooth operation. The power steering reservoir should be easily located with markings showing minimum and maximum levels. If the fluid requires topping up, again ensure the correct type of power steering fluid is added. Positive steering response in harsh driving conditions can help prevent accidents. Morris Lubricants has a variety of power steering fluids so it is best to check with our technical team or use whatoildoineed.com to find the correct product for your vehicle.
Maintaining the correct fluid level and dilution strength of antifreeze/coolant mixtures is vitally important to ensure no internal damage occurs within the engine. When water freezes, it expands and this is what causes the damage. A worst-case scenario could be a cracked cylinder head or blockage.
The vehicle handbook will indicate the type of antifreeze/coolant you should use and the dilution rate to ensure maximum frost and freezing protection. This is usually a 50:50 mixture, preferably with distilled or de-ionised water to prevent the deposit of hard water salts (furring).
Then, of course, there is the oil level. Ensuring that the oil level never falls below minimum, but is always maintained at the maximum mark on the dip stick, will provide the engine with the best operational environment. Checking the oil level should form part of a regular maintenance regime.
Always follow the correct service interval guidelines for when the oil needs to be changed and always use an oil with the correct performance level, even for topping up. This will ensure the engine and any after-treatment devices are protected fully, under all driving conditions in all weathers. Speaking to our technical team or visiting whatoildoineed.com, you can find the right oil for your engine as well as the correct volume you need to use.
In summary, your regular maintenance checks will keep you safe and prevent any unnecessary damage to your vehicle’s engine and systems. If you are unsure of which fluids and their specifications are required for your vehicle, Morris Lubricants can help.