Gifts To Get Your Car Ready For Winter

As Winter weather closes in there's an increases likelihood of cold snaps, ice, snow and fog and Dunleath lists those essential car parts and accessories to keep vehicles running whatever the weather. And some people argue that global warming makes it even more likely that there will be extreme weather events, and so there are further essential items that every car boot arguably needs to ensure driver comfort should these events occur.

Before setting out on any journey, whether long or short, during Winter it's wise to run through a check list.

A sun blind strip for the car windscreen can be extremely useful at a time when the Winter Sun rarely rises far above the horizon, and can make Winter driving hazardous, especially when sunlight is reflect off wet road surfaces.

Car Charger For Electric Vehicles

A car charger wallbox in a household garage can be essential to keep the car charged so it is ready for any journey.

Antifreeze

Every household garage should have a a container of antifreeze to top up as and when necessary before setting out. Dunleath lists top brands such as Antifreeze Krafft Professional 5 L Concentrated that should last throughout the coldest Winter.

Engine Oil

Check the engine oil level to ensure there are no issues because of low oil levels. And it can be helpful to consider engine oil additives to improve the engine's performance during extreme weather events. Ans an engine cleanser can help to prevent engine fires caused from a build-up of dirt, oil and grease around the engine area. 

Snow Chains

Dunleath lists a large selection of snow chains from leading brands such as Goodyear, Michelin, OCC Motorsport, Easy Sock, and other quality brands.   

Jerry Can

Should a car driver run out fuel then a Jerry Can can be essential to transport fuel to the broken-down vehicle. Don't rely on emergency services having one - bring your own! 

 

Car Accidents

Extinguisher

It's important to have the right extinguisher for the right emergency event. Even when a car is in the household garage there may be a need for an extinguisher. But in the event of a car accident having a powdered extinguisher readily available can be very useful, and especially a hand held extinguisher when going to the help of some one else's car accident. And, of course, in some cases it can be useful to have an extinguisher fitted in the engine compartment as well.

Having car emergency and repair kits in the car's boot can provide some peace of mind. An air compressor and car jack can come in useful when there's a flat tyre that needs to be reflated. 

Emergency Lights

Better safe than sorry. These emergency lights fit easily into any car boot and can serve two purposes: to provide light for the driver to carry out repairs, and to alert oncoming traffic of the car's location at the side of the road.

Tow Tape

Should the vehicle need to be towed either to safety or to a car repair garage then it's essential for any car bot to have at least one tow tape from a quality brand. 

Car Mats

After a car accident an insurance company might agree to repairs being carried out at reputable car repair garage. It has been common in some areas for some car repair garages to remove the car mat adjacent to a car repair so that when the car is re-sold the new owner can tell from its absence that the car was involved in an accident. Because of this many car owners remove the original car mats to keep them in pristine condition for when the car is sold on, and install a new set of car mats in their place. And, of course, fitting a new set of car mats means the original car mats are not getting all tatty from regular wear and tear. 

Wear And Tear

Many car drivers will be well wrapped up during the colder Winter weather, and heavy clothing can lead to unnecessary wear and tear for car interiors.

Car upholstery cleaner can be very useful. But car seat covers are essential to protect the original seating so that when the car is re-sold at a future date the owner can maximise the resale value.

And any parent will realise the importance of having the correct seating available for children. Dunleath has a large selection of car booster seats for children, and many are themed on favourite characters and shows for children such as Hello Kitty.

Car care can ensure any vehicle is not only ready for any journey, but ensure it also looks good.

Car shampoo for a thorough car wash followed by application of a good car wax can mitigate the effects of rock salt spread over surfaces during Winter. And windscreen cleaning liquid should be topped up prior to any Winter journey. However, during long Winter journeys or on short trips during very bad weather, it can be essential to have a container of windscreen cleaning liquid in the car's boot to apply a top up so that the car's windscreen is kept clean for safe driving.

A spare wind deflectors for windscreen wipers. And also a suitable spare air filter can come in useful.