TOP WINTER TIPS FOR
YOUR CAR OR 4X4
Must-Do for Australian Vehicles
12 Essential Winter Car & 4WD Maintenance Checks
Make sure your Battery is both dispersing and holding charge
Battery failures increase by up to 50% during winter months, according to Roadside Assistance
statistics
Most drivers discover battery problems the hard way—stranded with a vehicle that won't start. A simple professional check can prevent this common winter headache.
What to do:
- Clean terminals to prevent connection issues
- Check charge levels before cold weather arrives
- Have a professional test both battery and alternator function
- Replace batteries showing signs of age (typically 3-5 years)
Keep your Fuel tank 1/2 full or more to reduce risk of contamination
Maintain Fuel tank at least 1/2 full or more
Condensation forms more readily in partially empty fuel tanks during temperature fluctuations. Water contamination in fuel tanks can lead to starting difficulties, performance issues, and even damage to fuel injectors and fuel pumps. The simple habit of maintaining higher fuel levels significantly reduces these risks.
What to do:
- Keep your tank at least half full throughout winter
- Add fuel stabilizer if your vehicle sits unused for extended periods
- Consider fuel system treatments to address any water contamination
Ensure your Tyre pressure isn't too high and you have required tread depth
Proper tyre maintenance ensures maximum road contact for optimal traction and braking in all weather conditions
Cold air contracts, reducing tyre pressure naturally. Properly inflated tyres improve safety, comfort, handling, fuel economy, and extend tyre life.
What to do:
- Check pressure when tyres are cold (before driving)
- Maintain manufacturer-recommended pressure levels
- Ensure legal tread depth across all tyres
- Consider winter-specific tyres for extreme conditions
Note: Your vehicle manual may have recommendations to increase the tyre pressure in winter pending your location as extreme cold will limit the amount of expansion even when driving.
Inspect your Wiper blades for wear, hardening or damage
Inspect Windscreen Wipers and Washer Fluid
Clear visibility is critical for safe winter driving, especially during rain and early darkness. Quality wipers should glide smoothly without chattering or leaving streaks. For optimal performance, replace wiper blades every 6-12 months depending on your climate.
What to do:
- Replace wipers showing signs of wear, cracking or hardening
- Fill washer fluid reservoir with quality cleaning solution
- Consider anti-fog treatment for interior glass surfaces
- Check that washer nozzles spray effectively
Inspect your Spark plugs for signs of wear or failure
Worn spark plugs make cold starts difficult and reduce overall engine performance (Petrol engines)
Warning signs of failing spark plugs include:
- Hard starting or stalling
- Engine misfire or rough idle
- Illuminated check engine light
- Decreased fuel economy
- Reduced acceleration
What to do:
- Check for signs of wear or deposits
- Replace spark plugs according to manufacturer recommendations
- Always change all plugs at the same time for consistent performance
- Consider upgrading to higher-quality plugs for better cold-weather starting.
Note: It's best to change all of your Spark plugs at the same time.
Ensure your Glow plugs reach the required ignition heat
Glow plugs provide essential heat for diesel engine combustion, especially critical during cold starts (Diesel engines)
In a four-cylinder diesel engine, even one bad glow plug significantly impacts starting ability and performance. With two failing plugs, your vehicle may barely start and run roughly. Three bad plugs will make starting nearly impossible
What to do:
- Watch for hard starting or excessive white smoke when cold
- Check if glow plug indicator light functions normally
- Replace faulty glow plugs before winter temperatures arrive
- Consider having the entire system professionally inspected
Note: If in doubt always check with a professional.
Inspect Ignition leads for obvious signs of age, wear or cracking
Aging ignition leads deliver inconsistent power to spark plugs, causing performance issues
Symptoms of failing Ignition leads (aka Spark plug leads or wires) include engine miss, hesitation, surging, and power loss.
What to do:
- Look for cracking, splitting or visible wear
- Replace leads showing any signs of deterioration
- Always change complete sets rather than individual leads
- Choose quality ignition leads appropriate for your vehicle
Note: If any of your leads are showing signs of degradation (age or wear) then it's best to change them all. As they share the same environment what is happening to one will likely be happening to all.
Check that your Starter motor isn't showing signs of struggle or noise
Cold weather often reveals starter motor weaknesses that went unnoticed in warmer conditions
If your lights and electronics work well but you hear repeated clicking when trying to start, your starter motor likely needs attention.
What to do:
- Listen for clicking sounds instead of normal engagement
- Note any unusual noises during starting
- Have the starter motor professionally tested if you notice issues
- Distinguish between battery and starter problems
Note: If in doubt always check with a professional.
Check that your Alternator is sending charge to the Battery
Your alternator recharges the battery while driving—a failing unit leaves you stranded even after a successful start
Battery and alternator issues often present similar symptoms. Professional testing can identify the actual problem, potentially saving you from unnecessary expense
What to do:
- Watch for dimming lights during operation
- Listen for unusual noises from the alternator
- Note any warning lights on your dashboard
- Have charging system professionally tested if in doubt
Note: If in doubt always check with a professional.
Ensure your coolant Temperature sensor is operating correctly
Check that your Coolant Temperature Sensor is operating correctly to protect your fuel economy and performance.
A malfunctioning temperature sensor causes the engine computer to miscalculate fuel mixture, leading to performance issues and increased fuel consumption.
What to do:
- Watch for poor fuel economy or black exhaust
- Note any engine overheating, misfiring or pinging
- Check for illuminated engine warning lights
- Have temperature sensor replaced if showing signs of failure
Note: If in doubt always check with a professional.
Make sure your Heater valve tap opens and closes freely
A functioning heater valve ensures cabin warmth during cold weather driving
Common symptoms of heater valve problems include inconsistent cabin heating (especially when the engine is under load) and fluctuating engine temperature readings.
What to do:
- Check that heat output is consistent and controllable
- Watch for erratic temperature changes in the cabin
- Look for coolant leaks around the valve
- Replace faulty heater control valves before winter temperatures arrive.
Inspect your Cabin filter for signs of clogging, mould or contamination
A clean cabin filter improves air quality and prevents unpleasant odors during winter when windows remain closed
They are often located at the back of the glove box and can be fairly easily accessed from within the glove box itself. If in doubt about the location of your cabin filter consult your manual
What to do:
- Locate and inspect the filter (often behind the glove box)
- Look for dirt, debris, or signs of moisture damage
- Replace according to manufacturer recommendations
- Consider more frequent changes in dusty or humid environments.
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