Preparing your car for the winter

This is what you should do to prepare your car for the winter:

1. Check whether the headlights, fog lights and tail lights work properly.

2. Check if the windshield does not have any minor cracks or scratches. A windshield could crack up if the heater is turned on for a long duration and it is cold outside.

3. Make sure to top up/change the oil and coolant. Check transmission, power steering, brake, radiator, and battery fluids. Change the anti-freeze after every winter.

4. Keep an emergency kit inside the car at all times and ensure that the items are replaced if used. According to experts an ideal emergency kit should have: slave, aspirin, bandage, scissors, savlon, drinking water, hard candies, food, ice scraper, a shovel, tool kit, jumper cables, prescription medicines, paper towels, and crepe bandage.

5. Top up the windshield washer fluid and ensure that the wipers work properly.

6. Get a mechanic to check the door and window linings, radiator, heater, vacuum hoses, various belts and seals. When the cold sets in, be sure to open and shut the car doors every day. This will prevent them from freezing shut.

7. If needed, put some petroleum jelly on the hinges to prevent them from shutting. If the lock on the door freezes, use a lighter to heat the key slightly and insert it in the lock.

8. Always have a map, torch light, a match box, and a candle in the glove box. Also keep a few spare blankets and towels in the back seat or the boot. Make a list of emergency numbers and keep them in a safe place inside the car.

9. Check the air in your tires frequently and maintain it as per the manufacturers specification.