Winter Maintenance Tips for your car

How Safe Will You Drive This Winter?

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at D & D Mechanical & 4WD in Goolwa and will keep you driving safe this winter.

Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with D & D Mechanical & 4WD and Repco Authorised Service.

So how do you make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring?

Have a Clear View

Avoid the painful moment when you switch on the wipers on the first rainy day and suddenly remember you haven't checked them in months! Your windscreen wipers are exposed to the full force of the Australian sun all year round and wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. D & D Mechanical & 4WD can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Too Cold To Start?

Your car battery is the heart of your vehicle's electrical system, and even a healthy-looking battery can fail without much warning. Colder weather places extra demand on batteries, making winter one of the most common times for starting problems to appear. At D & D Mechanical & 4WD in Goolwa, we include a battery test with every scheduled car service and also offer Free Battery Testing if you have any concerns about slow starting or battery performance. If your battery needs replacing, we can often supply and fit a quality replacement the same day, subject to availability, helping you avoid the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown.

Keeping It Fluid

Fluids and other parts in your car can be impacted by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Getting your car regularly serviced - especially by by an expert who understands the best parts and products to maintain your vehicle in top condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.

Drive to The Conditions

Conditions change - and you need to adjust, as well. 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.

Give Your AC a Work Out – Even in Cold Weather

It's easy to forget about your car's air conditioning during winter, but giving it a regular workout is one of the simplest ways to keep it in good condition. Running your air conditioner for around 10 minutes every couple of weeks helps circulate refrigerant and lubricating oil through the system, keeping seals from drying out and reducing the risk of costly leaks or compressor problems. It also helps remove moisture from inside your vehicle, clearing fogged windows more quickly on cold mornings. At D & D Mechanical & 4WD in Goolwa, we recommend using your air conditioner all year round and having it inspected and serviced regularly, so it's ready to keep you cool and comfortable when the warmer weather returns.

Could You Stop In Time?

Be aware of the symptoms that your brakes need inspecting, like 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 it's best to have a qualified mechanic check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Are You Properly Connected?

It's dangerous to drive on worn tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation, reducing your connection to the road. Now is the time to inspect your tyres. If you notice spots which are worn 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 which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your braking ability. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Don't Let Winter Grime Take Over Your Car

Winter roads can leave your vehicle coated in mud, road grime, tree sap, bird droppings and other contaminants that do more than just spoil its appearance. If left to build up, this grime can damage your paintwork, trap moisture against metal surfaces and contribute to corrosion over time, particularly around the wheel arches and underbody. Regular washing throughout winter, including a thorough rinse underneath your vehicle, helps protect your car's finish and makes it easier to spot issues such as fluid leaks, damaged tyres or worn suspension components before they become bigger problems. A clean car isn't just nicer to drive—it's an important part of protecting your investment and keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition all year round.

Is Your System Balanced?

D & D Mechanical & 4WD 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.