Motorists should check under their car bonnet before setting off in their cars from Thursday as wintry weather looks set to continue. The Met Office has put yellow and amber weather warnings in place across the country due to the threat of snow and ice.
An amber weather warning for snow is in place for parts of the North East of England, with Met Office meteorologists warning that travel delays on roads were "likely". As well as slippery road surfaces and the risk of delays, colder weather could cause serious issues for vehicles, with cars more susceptible to damage. Experts have advised that checking a car’s antifreeze and coolant are crucial, with drivers at risk of doing serious damage to their engine if they get behind the wheel during cold spells.
Leasing Options said: “Check that your vehicle is topped up with windscreen wash and anti-freeze ahead of the colder months.
“Choosing a winter-specific screen wash will prevent the fluid from freezing on the windscreen, and it is strong enough to effectively clean grit salts, mud, and other tough substances from the glass. It’s also crucial to top up with antifreeze, which stops the water in the cooling system from freezing and damaging the engine.”
Antifreeze is a crucial addition in colder weather, with the solution lowering the freezing point and raising the boiling point of the coolant. It ensures the engine temperature is regulated in cooler temperatures, preventing damage to key components such as the radiator.
Antifreeze can also help protect the engine from corrosion and better lubricate other major car parts such as the water pump.
The AA previously explained: “Modern car cooling systems are smaller, with higher operating temperatures and pressures than in the past. That means it's especially important to use the correct additive.
“If you don't use antifreeze, your car's engine and other components could suffer serious damage if the water freezes or overheats. Water expands as it freezes, which can split radiators, pipes and water pumps or even break engine casings.
“This vital liquid helps your engine in other ways too. It prevents scale building up and protects against corrosion, helping to keep your car’s cooling system healthy.”