How To Look After Your Motability Car This Winter

How To Look After Your Motability Car This Winter

Read our top tips to help you make winter driving stress-free and look after your Motability car the right way.

Whether you’re an admirer of the frost or dread the first flakes of snow, it’s unlikely you’ll look forward to winter driving.

With more challenging conditions like snow and ice, it requires more caution and preparation. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our handy tips to help you look after your Motability car this winter!

Check the essentials

For yours and others’ safety on the road, it’s important to check your car is in good general condition. That means making sure everything is working as it should be, including:

Tyres

Make sure your tyres have at least 1.6mm tread depth remaining around the central three-quarters of the tyre. Worn or damaged tyres can result in a £2,500 fine per tyre! Make sure they are also inflated to the correct level, as under or overinflated tyres can be both dangerous and use up more fuel. Not sure if your tyres are legal? Book a free Tyre Check and we’ll do it for you!

Lights

Test all of your lights – headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights and rear lights and make sure all of them are working. Winter driving comes with poorer visibility and misty conditions, so it’s vital to make sure you can see and be seen.

Wiper blades

Driving in rain, sleet and snow means you’ll be relying on your wipers more often. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to see when driving in these conditions. If they are old, worn or damaged then you should replace them as soon as possible. Common signs for replacement are squeaking, juddering, chattering, and smearing.

Fluid levels

Fluids like coolant, oil and screenwash are essential to keep your car running smoothly. These should normally be checked in your vehicle’s annual service, though if in doubt, take some time to check. Make sure your car is switched off and the engine is cold to get an accurate reading.

Battery

If the battery charge warning light appears on your dashboard, then you’ll need to check your battery. Regular drives should help keep it topped up naturally during the winter, though if you drive an electric car this will, of course, use more of your range. Keep reading for tips on how to maximise your electric Motability car’s range!

Fuel or charge levels

It goes without saying that one of the most important checks to make before any journey is that you have enough fuel to get you there. Whether you drive a traditional-powered or electric Motability car, make sure your tank or battery is topped up.

Why not let our expert technicians check everything over for you with a Winter Check? Choose from three packages depending on your preferences and receive a free Comfort Pack with everything you need.

Prepare for the unexpected

Checking your Motability car is in good, working condition is your biggest priority before setting out on the road this winter. This way, you’re unlikely to encounter any issues, but it always pays to be prepared.

Breakdowns can happen more often during the winter, with freezing temperatures. With this in mind, you might want to take some extra provisions along for the journey just in case.

These might include packing a coat or warm layers to take with you, in case you get stranded in the cold. A phone charger or power bank is also a good idea to keep your phone fully charged.

Other items that may come in useful include:

• Bottled water and snacks to keep you going if you become stranded
• A first aid kit in the event of any small injuries
• A torch so you can find your way around in the dark
• A shovel if you find your car stuck in deep snow
• A scraper and de-icer for clearing your windscreen of frost and ice
• A hazard warning triangle to place on the road to alert other road users

Remember, if you do break down or find yourself stranded on the road this winter – not to worry. Your Motability Scheme package includes RAC Motability Assist, covering you throughout your lease.

Download the myRAC app onto your smartphone if you haven’t already, as this is the easiest way to report a breakdown. The app will use your location to help find you if you’re unsure, and includes other features like a route planner, maintenance reminders, and more.

Other tips for winter driving

Now you know how to make sure your Motability car is road-ready, here are some other tips that may come in useful this season:

Maximising your electric Motability car’s range

It’s well-known that extreme temperatures can affect your electric Motability car’s battery range. However, there are a few things you can do to counter this. Such as:

• Park your EV in a sheltered place such as a garage
• Keep the battery topped up between 20% and 80%
• Use the Eco Mode setting to reduce power output
• Use your car’s pre-heating function to heat the cabin before starting a journey
• Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated

Interested in an electric car for your next Motability vehicle? Learn more about electric cars on the Motability Scheme.

Clearing your windscreen

Frosty mornings are a dread for many when waking up early in the winter. The morning commute can feel hectic enough without having to spend time clearing your windscreen first.

So, what’s the fastest way to clear your Motability car of frost and ice? It might not be the answer you were hoping for, but a scraper and de-icer is the best way.

Do not pour any water onto your windscreen as this could cause the glass to crack or shatter. You should also never operate your windscreen wipers before any ice has cleared as this could cause damage.

To speed things up, use a frost screen or towel to cover your windscreen and wiper blades at night. This should prevent thick frost and ice from forming and prevent your wipers from freezing.

Browse Motability cars at Bristol Street Motors

We hope you found this article useful and feel ready to take on the winter in your Motability car. Nearing the end of your lease? It’s never too early to start looking for your next car!

Browse our latest deals available below or get inspired with our guide to new cars coming to the Scheme next year.

If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team or book an appointment at your local dealership. We’ll be more than happy to walk you through any models you’re interested in, including adaptations available to suit your needs.

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