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Safe Winter Driving Tips

Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Highton Automotive Services in Highton is offering free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Reports with every service! Our qualified mechanics will visually check over your car and provide a written report about its condition. We want you to stay safe this winter, so if any problems are identified, we'll help you understand the next steps you need to take. Get your family car checked today and hit the roads with peace of mind.

As Australia is divided into two climatic regions, those in the north are delighting in their dry season while those in the south are readying for a wet winter.

You'd think that this would mean very different approaches to prepare your vehicle for the winter driving season; however the basics of safe winter motoring remain unchanged. So how can you make sure your car is set for safe winter motoring?

See clearly

Who hasn't had that moment when you turn on the wipers at the first spot of rain and only then remember you should have replaced them! Wiper blades don't last forever, especially sitting under the harsh Australian sun all summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Highton Automotive Services can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Maintain your fluid levels

Fluids and other components in your car can be effected by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Having a regular service is essential - especially by a professional technician who understands the right products and parts to keep your car in its best operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.

Driving to the conditions

Always remember to drive to your conditions. In wet weather or poor visibility, slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Could you stop in time?

Keep a look out for the warning signs that your brakes need to be looked at, for example vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If your car is doing any of these you should get it checked out by a qualified mechanic. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on worn or incorrectly inflated tyres. Now is the time to check that your tyres have plenty of tread left. If your tyres are wearing unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below:

Driving on tyres that are incorrectly inflated won't only cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Highton Automotive Services has a state of the art Safe T Stop machine that can accurately test for shocker and brake wear and tear and provide you with a detailed report on the state of your vehicles ability to stop in an emergency. Call us today to book in for a Safe T Stop test.

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