We’re right bang in the middle of winter in Australia, and with the change in weather comes a different way that you have to maintain your car. Luckily we have pretty mild winters in Queensland, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have that occasional cold winter morning that can be quite harsh on our vehicle.

With that in mind, here are some car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in top condition during the winter months

Fuel – We’ve all been there. You’re driving around in the morning late for work, and you almost run out of fuel. With the cold weather and cooler temperatures, your car uses more fuel to heat the engine and keep warm while driving around. Make sure you fill up before hitting that highway or if you do have a long drive, make sure you fill up at a service station closer to home if necessary.

Battery – Cold weather can drain your battery quicker than normal, so check that your battery is charged regularly and replace if necessary.

Oil Changes – Winter is a time for more oil changes. If you’re using your car for long drives when the weather is cold, make sure that you give it a good change of oil. Doing this will ensure that your engine has enough lubrication to keep running smoothly and not break down.

Check tyre pressure – Depending on where you live, the change in temperatures can affect your tyres as well. In the colder weather, your tyres are subject to more wear and tear because they are moving slowly around on the road. Make sure you check your tyre pressure regularly and top them up if necessary.

Check for leaks – Change in temperature also affects your car’s seals in a negative way, so it is particularly important that you check for any oil or water leaks during these cold winter months.

Oil filter – Oil filters should be changed regularly when driving during winter. Make sure you change the filter as it can become clogged with dirt and dust in cold weather.

Car maintenance should be taken seriously all year-round, not just in winter. However, the cold can often be harsh on cars, which is why you should pay particular attention to your vehicle during those months. If you service your car regularly (which you should!), then you shouldn’t encounter any problems, but a little DIY maintenance always goes a long way. If you have any questions about a car maintenance tips, get in touch with our friendly team and we can help you out with any queries.