May 2025
Drive with Confidence This Winter: Car Care Tips from Industry Motor Group
Winter’s on the way, and while New Zealand’s chill might not bring snowdrifts to the city, the colder months can still challenge your car. From wet roads to foggy mornings, staying safe starts with preparation.
At Industry Motor Group, we want you to feel confident every time you hit the road whether it’s a weekday commute or a long weekend escape. A bit of maintenance now can save time, money, and stress later.
Here are our top winter car care tips to keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.
1. Tyres: Grip Is Everything
Your tyres are what connect you to the road so they need to be in top condition.
✅ What to Check:
- Tread depth: Less than 3mm? Grip is reduced on wet or icy roads.
- Tyre pressure: Cold air drops tyre pressure. Check regularly.
- Uneven wear: Could indicate suspension or alignment issues.
Not sure? Call us, we're happy to check your tread depth and pressure. If anything's off, we'll recommend a trusted wheel alignment or repair shop nearby.
Bonus Tip: Some vehicles have a spare tyre, others only a tyre repair kit. Not sure what your car has? It might be worth picking up a flat tyre repair kit to avoid changing a tyre roadside. 👉 Grab one here at Repco.
2. Battery Health Check
Battery issues are the top cause of winter breakdowns. Cold weather can reduce a battery's performance by up to 50%.
✅ What to Watch For:
- Slow engine starts
- Dim headlights
- Dashboard warning lights
Note: We only check battery health during inspections if we suspect an issue. If you're unsure, give us a call and pop in and our team can test it for you.
3. Wipers & Washer Fluid: See Clearly
Winter driving means reduced visibility, don't let streaky wipers or fogged windows make it worse.
✅ What to Check:
- Replace wiper blades if they streak, squeak, or skip.
- Use cold-weather washer fluid.
- Keep the inside of your windscreen clean to prevent fogging.
Pro Tip: Use an anti-fog agent like Rain-X Anti-Fog to stop internal fog build-up on chilly mornings.
4. Let There Be Light
With darker mornings and earlier evenings, good lighting is essential.
✅ What to Do:
- Walk around your car and test all bulbs, headlights, indicators, brake and reverse lights.
- Wipe grime off lens covers to improve brightness.
Pro Tip: Use your hazard lights to quickly check indicators. It's easier with a buddy!
5. Pack a Basic Winter Kit
You never know when a delay or breakdown might leave you waiting. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car.
Handy to Have:
- Blanket or warm clothing (gloves too!)
- Torch + spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Water and snacks
- Phone charger & power bank
- Umbrella or raincoat
- Jumper leads
- Shovel
- A book to keep the kids entertained
Bonus Tips: Fluids, Belts & Brakes
Planning a road trip? Or has it been a while since your last service? These checks are worth doing before you go:
Already a Step Ahead
When you buy from Industry Motor Group, you're starting strong. Every one of our vehicles undergoes a 121-point mechanical inspection, comes with a brand-new WOF, and is fully serviced. So whether you're prepping your current car or upgrading to something safer, newer, or more family-friendly, we've got you covered.
👉 Browse Vehicles
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Drive with confidence this winter. Stay safe, stay prepared, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you need a hand.
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