When the cold weather/ winter hits, it’s important to maintain and protect your machines and engines to ensure it continues to run smoothly and efficiently! We’ve put together some top tips to help with your engine maintenance and care through winter.
It’s recommended that your air filter is changed regularly and accordingly throughout the year. This is no different for winter, it's important to check your air filter as it will more than likely need changing from the dust that’s gathered in your filter to prevent any damages!
During the cold weather, the old fuel can gel and cause filters to block and/ or create a segment that gathers at the bottom of the fuel tank. Make sure you check all fuel filters to ensure they’re clean - if they’re not make sure they’re replaced!
If you’re storing your engine over winter, remove any fuel that's left in the tank. If you don’t remove the leftover fuel, the engine can freeze, which will lead to water contamination in the fuel tank. Also, if the fuel is left some of the particles from the fuel can break down and loosen some deposits that have formed inside the engine. This can cause a gum/ gel like substance in the fuel system, which can clog the filters, the carburettor or small openings in this area of the engine. By emptying the fuel, it can prevent this or any future and further damages to the engine. If you’re going to be using your engine during the colder months, it’s still recommended you replace your old fuel to prevent these damages.
By changing the oil and oil filter it allows the moving parts of the engine to stay lubricated and removes any unnecessary particles from the engine, keeping your engine running smoothly.
Check your manual where the correct oil will be recommended for your engine during winter. Oils that include ‘W’ in the viscosity label are considered to be winter oils, for example 5W30. Winter oils provide the best benefit for your engine for the duration of the colder months. If the oil isn’t changed it may not be able to give your engine the protection that is needed for winter.
For petrol engines, it’s recommended that the spark plug is changed to prevent any unnecessary stress on the engine. When removing your old spark plug, use a spark plug wrench and carefully turn the metal base to not break it!
For diesel engines, glow plugs don't need to be changed as often as spark plus so you may find it doesn't need changing - only replace if necessary.
While coolant can be used to prevent engines from overheating in the Summer, it also protects against freezing during the Winter. If coolant is used in your engine ensure you have put the correct antifreeze in to protect your engine.
If you aren’t using your engine over Winter give it a check over and store it in a dry and safe place so no damage is caused. For additional protection, cover your engine so any moisture can be blocked.
