What is a winter health check?

A winter health check is a series of tests and safety checks carried out by a trained mechanic. These checks include assessments of your tyres, fluids, lights and battery and are a great way to prepare your car for colder weather and frosty conditions.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

Does a winter health check replace my car service?

No, you should still keep up with your car's regular servicing schedule, regardless of whether you get a winter health check. A winter health check does not include as many checks as a service, but is a great way to prepare your car for the cold. The checks will still be carried out by a trained technician and will go a long way in ensuring your car remains safe and roadworthy.

What does a winter health check involve?

• Antifreeze level check and top up

• Oil level check

• Screen wash check and top up

• Tyre tread and pressure checks

• Wiper blade condition check

• Battery load test

• Full lights check

What are the signs that my car needs a winter health check?

It's always a good idea to ensure that your car is safe and reliable for the colder season by having it looked at by a trusted mechanic. Even if you think there are no issues with your car, the winter conditions can prove challenging for many vehicles. Some tell-tale signs that your car should be checked are:

• If your car struggles to start

• Your tyres have been slipping of skidding more than usual

• You've noticed issues with your engine's performance

• Your car lights aren't as bright as they used to be

• You've noticed issues with your wipers or screen washing system