The mechanics at Lawson AutoTech, car repair garage in Larbert, have provided their top tips for preparing your car for winter in Scotland.By maintaining your car and ensuring it is up-to-date with its service schedule, your winter car checks should only take a couple of minutes as a car service will cover all these points.
About Lawson AutoTech
Lawson AutoTech is a car repair garage in Larbert. They offer a full range of vehicle services, however, they specialise in car servicing, MOTs and repairs.
The experienced and professional mechanics work on cars, hybrid and electric cars, and light commercial vehicles. For all these vehicles they offer MOT Tests, servicing and repairs.
Some of the other services they offer include DPF cleaning, new tyres, suspension repairs, brake repairs and air con refills.
Expert technicians
Optimum driving
LAWSON AUTOTECH
How to Prepare your Car for Winter in Scotland
Scotland’s winters tend to be cold, wet and windy. Most of us only see some ice and snow so
unless you live in a remote area of the Highlands, we don’t tend worry about driving in the
winter. However, we believe there are some things you should do to prepare for winter even if
you live in a Scottish city. After all, you don’t want to break-down on a cold dark night far
away from home.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/new-car-tyres/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/new-car-tyres/
1.
2.
Winter Car Checks
Car Battery
Car battery performance starts to deteriorate after 3 years and they have to work harder
in the winter. Lower temperatures make them less efficient combined with an increase in
use for tasks such has headlights and heating can result in a flat battery. Nobody wants to
start their day by discovering their car won’t start! The battery’s life can be shorter if
your car mostly drives short distances and never gets a chance to fully charge on regular
long journeys.
If your car’s battery is over 5 years old, then we recommend getting a new one fitted at
your local garage before winter. Other signs that you need to get your battery checked or
replaced are that it sometimes struggles to start especially on a colder morning or you
have noticed the stop-start function has stopped working when you are stopped at traffic
lights. It may be that you simply need to take your car for a long drive but it is worth
getting it checked especially if you need your car for work.
Tyres
Unless you drive on rural roads that are prone to ice and snow, it is unlikely that you will
need to change to winter tyres, however, it is important to have tyres that are in good
condition. Our wet climate increases the risk of aquaplaning but having tyres with a good
amount of tread can reduced this risk and make your journey safer.
Lights
Clean, functioning lights are essential during the darker winter months. Even if you don’t
drive at night, you will need your lights switched on during the day in Scotland, especially
in December and January when it is raining. Of course, they must all work but we also
recommend keeping them clean so that other road users can see you and you can see
them. It doesn’t take long for dirty road spray to make them filthy. A quick wipe can make
all the difference to your visibility.
Windscreen
To drive legally on the road you must have a clear windscreen, so always ensure it has
demisted and is clear of any ice before you drive. Check that your windscreen wipers are
in good working order ahead of winter’s rainy weather and ensure your windscreen wash
is full and contains screen wash. Air Con can play a big part in absorbing moisture in the
atmosphere so use it in the winter as well as the summer – and service the air con system
every 24 months.
Oil
While you are carrying out your winter checks, ensure your oil is at the correct level. You
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/mot/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/mot/
should do this regularly all year round, but it is even more important during the winter
months as you don’t want to break down on a cold, dark winter’s day or night.
If you get your car serviced annually, it is more likely that a quick check finds that your car is
in good working order and ready for winter.
Take note of any advisories on MOT certs annually as they are noted for your safety, so don’t
keep putting them off.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/book-online/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/book-online/
Emergency Winter Supplies
Ensuring your car is stocked with some emergency supplies is a good idea, especially if you
are going to be driving long distances or leaving your car in a work car park all day.
An ice scraper is essential to prevent you sitting for a long time in your work car park until
the windscreen has cleared. Some de-icer will also help speed up the process.
Keeping a blanket in the car will be a very welcome addition if you break-down and have a
long wait for a break down service.
Also, we recommend always taking warm clothing with you even when you don’t think
you will need it. The weather can change dramatically from morning to evening. A Hi-Viz
vest or jacket is always a great addition to keep in your boot space in case of roadside
emergency / breakdown.
A torch can be handy, although maybe not as necessary as in the past, now that all
smartphones have great torches.
If your car is prone to breaking down or you have decided not to invest in a new battery,
then keep some jump leads in your car.
Include a shovel, if you drive in places that often get snow.
A supply of water and snacks may be welcome if you drive long distances from home.
Lawson AutoTech Winter Services
Our team can help you prepare your car for winter.
If your car is due a service, get it booked in. We carry out a free vehicle safety check during
the service ensuring your travels are safe. Most parts are available same day should the
safety check throw up anything needing attention.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/
Lawson AutoTech
Contact
Email: info@lawsonautotech.co.uk
Tel: 01324 570400
Website: lawsonautotech.co.uk
Optimum driving
LAWSON AUTOTECH
How to Prepare your Car for Winter in Scotland
Scotland’s winters tend to be cold, wet and windy. Most of us only see some ice and snow so
unless you live in a remote area of the Highlands, we don’t tend worry about driving in the
winter. However, we believe there are some things you should do to prepare for winter even if
you live in a Scottish city. After all, you don’t want to break-down on a cold dark night far
away from home.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/new-car-tyres/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/new-car-tyres/
1.
2.
Winter Car Checks
Car Battery
Car battery performance starts to deteriorate after 3 years and they have to work harder
in the winter. Lower temperatures make them less efficient combined with an increase in
use for tasks such has headlights and heating can result in a flat battery. Nobody wants to
start their day by discovering their car won’t start! The battery’s life can be shorter if
your car mostly drives short distances and never gets a chance to fully charge on regular
long journeys.
If your car’s battery is over 5 years old, then we recommend getting a new one fitted at
your local garage before winter. Other signs that you need to get your battery checked or
replaced are that it sometimes struggles to start especially on a colder morning or you
have noticed the stop-start function has stopped working when you are stopped at traffic
lights. It may be that you simply need to take your car for a long drive but it is worth
getting it checked especially if you need your car for work.
Tyres
Unless you drive on rural roads that are prone to ice and snow, it is unlikely that you will
need to change to winter tyres, however, it is important to have tyres that are in good
condition. Our wet climate increases the risk of aquaplaning but having tyres with a good
amount of tread can reduced this risk and make your journey safer.
Lights
Clean, functioning lights are essential during the darker winter months. Even if you don’t
drive at night, you will need your lights switched on during the day in Scotland, especially
in December and January when it is raining. Of course, they must all work but we also
recommend keeping them clean so that other road users can see you and you can see
them. It doesn’t take long for dirty road spray to make them filthy. A quick wipe can make
all the difference to your visibility.
Windscreen
To drive legally on the road you must have a clear windscreen, so always ensure it has
demisted and is clear of any ice before you drive. Check that your windscreen wipers are
in good working order ahead of winter’s rainy weather and ensure your windscreen wash
is full and contains screen wash. Air Con can play a big part in absorbing moisture in the
atmosphere so use it in the winter as well as the summer – and service the air con system
every 24 months.
Oil
While you are carrying out your winter checks, ensure your oil is at the correct level. You
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/mot/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/mot/
should do this regularly all year round, but it is even more important during the winter
months as you don’t want to break down on a cold, dark winter’s day or night.
If you get your car serviced annually, it is more likely that a quick check finds that your car is
in good working order and ready for winter.
Take note of any advisories on MOT certs annually as they are noted for your safety, so don’t
keep putting them off.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/servicing/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/book-online/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/book-online/
Emergency Winter Supplies
Ensuring your car is stocked with some emergency supplies is a good idea, especially if you
are going to be driving long distances or leaving your car in a work car park all day.
An ice scraper is essential to prevent you sitting for a long time in your work car park until
the windscreen has cleared. Some de-icer will also help speed up the process.
Keeping a blanket in the car will be a very welcome addition if you break-down and have a
long wait for a break down service.
Also, we recommend always taking warm clothing with you even when you don’t think
you will need it. The weather can change dramatically from morning to evening. A Hi-Viz
vest or jacket is always a great addition to keep in your boot space in case of roadside
emergency / breakdown.
A torch can be handy, although maybe not as necessary as in the past, now that all
smartphones have great torches.
If your car is prone to breaking down or you have decided not to invest in a new battery,
then keep some jump leads in your car.
Include a shovel, if you drive in places that often get snow.
A supply of water and snacks may be welcome if you drive long distances from home.
Lawson AutoTech Winter Services
Our team can help you prepare your car for winter.
If your car is due a service, get it booked in. We carry out a free vehicle safety check during
the service ensuring your travels are safe. Most parts are available same day should the
safety check throw up anything needing attention.
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/
https://lawsonautotech.co.uk/
Lawson AutoTech
Contact
Email: info@lawsonautotech.co.uk
Tel: 01324 570400
Website: lawsonautotech.co.uk