Winter driving can be a challenge. But with a simple check and some preparation, you can ensure your Motability vehicle is ready for the season's harsh conditions. Our helpful tips cover your Motability car, whether it's petrol, diesel, or electric.
Essential Winter Checks
To stay safe this winter, start by making sure your Motability car is in good nick. Here's a checklist of key areas:
Wiper blades:
Tougher driving conditions like rain, sleet and snow mean your wipers will be working harder. Check for signs of wear such as squeaking, smearing or perished rubber on the blades. If any of these signs are showing themselves, replace them as soon as you can for perfect visibility on the road.
Lights:
With shorter days and poorer visibility, you need to make sure all your lights are working perfectly. This includes headlights, rear lights, indicators and the often-forgotten fog lights. Check all bulbs are operational and, if not, replace them immediately. If you need a second pair of eyes to help you with this, contact your local Vertu dealership; we will be happy to help.
Tyres:
No matter how good the Motability car is, your tyres are the only point of contact with the ground. On difficult surfaces such as an icy road, your tyres need to work harder to get the traction they need. Make sure your tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Check your tyre pressures too as under- or over-inflation can lead to poor performance, no matter the tread depth.
Fluid levels:
Fluid levels such as engine and gearbox oil, coolant, and screen wash should be kept topped up year-round. Double-check each level and ensure there are no leaks, especially if your Motability car hasn't had a recent service. For extra protection, use an anti-freeze screen wash to help keep your visibility at its best.
Battery health:
Cold weather puts extra strain on your car's battery, so ensuring it's working optimally is important. If you notice a battery warning light on your dashboard or your car struggles to start up, take it for a health check. Driving your Motability car regularly and on some longer journeys allows the alternator to keep your car's battery fully topped up too. For electric Motability cars, this works differently, so see below for tailored electric car tips.
If you're unsure of how to check anything on this list, take your car to your local Vertu dealership. Our expert technicians will be happy to help.
Tips and tricks for electric Motability vehicles
Temperature can affect the performance of an electric battery. Maximising the range in your electric Motability vehicle can come down to a few simple routine tips:
Park in a sheltered spot:
Out of the cold and inside a garage or inside space is ideal. It will keep the battery at a more consistent temperature and ready to start up with ease.
Keep the battery's charge level between 20% and 80%:
Keeping your electric car in this optimal zone prolongs battery life. In turn, this ensures your electric Motability car gives you the best performance.
Use Eco mode:
Most electric vehicles have an option to put the car into Eco mode. This will minimise power consumption while you drive, increasing your range.
Pre-heat your car:
Many electric cars have the option to pre-warm the vehicle before you even step into the car. Some models allow you to do this from an app too, so check if yours has this handy feature.
Clearing your windscreen efficiently:
Everyone has had the temptation to chuck hot water on the windscreen. Especially when in a rush.
This is the worst thing you could do to clear your windscreen - do not be tempted. The glass could be damaged by the extreme changes in temperature. A windscreen that needs replacing is far more inconvenient than waiting a few more minutes for the screen to defrost.
Instead, stick to using a scraper and de-icer. Put your blowers on full blast and full heat and aim at the windows while you do so. Bonus points for turning on the heated rear window while you wait too.
Prevention is always better than reaction. Meaning, use a towel or a frost screen on your window and prevent frost forming on your windscreen in the first place.
Motability at Vertu
With these simple steps, your Motability vehicle will be ready for anything this winter. You'll be safer on the road thanks to it and you'll keep other road users safer too.
If your Motability lease is coming to a close, why not browse our range of Motability cars? Choose your next new Motability vehicle from a wide range of manufacturers, styles and sizes.
If you need any questions answered or help with preparing your Motability vehicle for winter, we're here to help. Book an appointment at your local Vertu dealership for our expert help.
- Motability