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Winter breakdown advice and guidance
Winter is here and the festive holiday is approaching. Temperatures are dropping and that could spell trouble for vehicles – so give your customers the gift of advice this winter. With rescue calls almost doubling during the colder months, breakdown cover could become essential.
No driver wants their car to break down and certainly no one wants to be stranded by the roadside in the cold, dark, rain or snow. It is a good opportunity for car retailers to speak to their customers about buying roadside assistance with their vehicle – they will be grateful you’re looking out for their best interests.
Car Care Plan works with manufacturers, dealers and affinity partners to provide roadside assistance for their customers. To find out more visit our website or call us on 0344 573 8000.
Top causes of winter breakdowns
- Battery faults – by far the most common cause of breakdown during winter. Power output drops, batteries don’t recharge as quickly when driving and, due to the dark and cold, we put more demand on them with lights, heaters, wipers, heated rear windows and more.
- Tyre damage -hidden potholes, difficult weather conditions and slipping on ice all add up to excess rubber damage. Carrying out basic checks helps but it’s also worth considering winter tyres, as they work better in temperatures below 7°C.
- Frozen engines – due to a lack of antifreeze, engines can seize up in the cold. But that’s not the only problem, as starting a car with a frozen water pump can strip the teeth off the timing belt, leading to expensive internal damage. Even alternators can freeze up if any water gets into the rotors.
- Mechanical problems – Frozen ignition locks occur when water gets inside the car and the temperature drops. Remote locking won’t always help either – the same goes for door lock mechanisms, seals and windows, turning the vehicle into an impenetrable block of ice. Handbrake cables are also susceptible, not to mention vulnerable to corrosive road salt.
Source: The AA
Winter breakdown advice
Providing your customers with advice for keeping themselves and their vehicles safe will engender trust, will help to build a positive relationship and will increase the chance of repeat business. It will also help highlight the need for roadside assistance cover.
Our top tips:
- Antifreeze – use a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system, which can provide protection down to -34°C.
- Batteries – check them frequently and recharge or replace them if required. Also try to avoid running electrical systems longer than necessary.
- Tyres – use at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring or, advisably, switch to winter tyres as they ensure a better grip in cold, wet conditions.
- Windscreen – keep it clear of dirt and snow. Top up the washer with a screenwash additive to reduce the chance of freezing.
- Locks and seals – a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals will protect them from freezing. A splash of water dispersant in locks also helps.
- Coverage – ensure car insurance and roadside assistance policies are up-to-date, and check warranty cover to ensure financial support if the worst happens.
- Safety – above all else, safety first, as accidents are much more common during the dark winter months. Take the time to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
If your dealership would like to know more about Car Care Plan leading vehicle aftercare products, visit our website or call 0344 573 8000.