Sealey runs through some of its products that should be a staple in any garage this winter.
Statistics show that winter breakdowns are more than twice as likely as those during the summer months. Many of these breakdowns could be avoided by having the vehicle serviced and/or prepared properly before the onset of winter.
Winter months can place high demands on batteries because cold temperatures not only reduce their cranking output, but there are more loads on the electrical system in the form of heated windscreens and lights.
The Sealey BT2014 is a simple to use but effective tool to check the vehicle’s battery condition and also its alternator output. This device has a printing facility which is particularly useful when showing the customer what repairs are required.
Vehicle battery terminals should always be kept clean and tight with a coating of an anti-corrosion compound applied to them. Engine coolant can become diluted if the system is topped up with water only, as the coolant is also a corrosion inhibitor. It is important to have this changed at the correct service intervals to be at the correct strength and type, as recommended by the manufacturer. Failure to adhere to this can become a very costly mistake.
A good quality antifreeze additive is a vital addition to the car’s screen-washer system. Washer jets should be kept clean and correctly adjusted and the wipers should be checked and replaced if required.
The Sealey VS0052 Refractometer is a cost effective tool which can not only measure coolant strength, but also screen-wash, battery fluid and AdBlue strength.
Tyre pressures and condition are vital at any time of the year and are of course essential to both steering and braking, but in the winter months we ask so much more of these items. The Sealey SA37/93 digital tyre inflator is an ideal piece of workshop equipment for accurately checking and adjusting tyre pressures.
The legal limit on a car tyre may be 1.6mm of tread, but a tyre with 3mm of tread remaining can give as much as 25% shorter stopping distance in the wet, compared to one with 1.6mm of tread. This reduction in distance could be very significant in an emergency braking situation. Winter tyres also offer increased grip in snow, slush or icy conditions and are becoming increasingly available. They are also a recommended fitment in some EU countries during the winter months, so it is a wise check to make before making such a trip.
Windscreen chips can spread in the cold weather so repairing these before the onset of winter can help prevent a more serious issue later. The Sealey WK01 is an ideal low cost solution for windscreen stone chip repairs. So really the rule is that prevention is better than cure. Making sure the car is serviced and well prepared for the winter months should not only provide the motorist with peace of mind but also see the car through to the spring with trouble- free and safe motoring.
