Winter... What to check? Common problems?

[MINIcharged]

This being my first winter with the MCS what needs to be checked after it's all thawed out?
I'm aware the snow that we've been having, although causing chaos, is nothing compared to Canada/USA/Norway etc. so am I being paranoid or should I be checking things?

Is anything prone to cracking? are there any mini specific winter problems?

I'm running a R53 but I'm sure this thread will apply to any car...

Thanks!

Following on from this thread: Stuck in Snow?
and inspired by this thread: Common problems

[Roma]

Here are some things to check:

1. Cold tyre pressures

2. Coolant and oil levels

3. Windscreen washer fluid level (use Winter dilution ratios)

4. Condition of rubber seals on doors/hatch/bonnet areas

5. I'd get the car cleaned thoroughly (using a hand wash with a pressure washer). Make sure areas like insides of the wheel arches are thoroughly rinsed out with clean water. This removes grit and salt.

6. Run your hand through the carpet in the footwells and rear hatch area to make sure there are no leaks

7. After starting the engine check for uneven idling, check all the lights work properly, check the heater/aircon works, check your fuel levels

8. Using a cloth dampened with something like Windolene spray, run this along the wiper blades (front and read windscreens). Do this after you've had the car washed thoroughly. This ensures that there is no trapped grit between the wiper blades and the windscreen that may cause a scratched arc to form on your windscreen. Then check the operation of the windscreen washer and wiper blades.

Those are fairly basic Winter motoing checks if you've left your car outside during the recent icy weather for a while. I hope that helps!

[MINIcharged]

Thanks Roma, thats great.

Anyone know if there are any mini specific things to look out for?

[IanT]

The wheel arch lining on my nearside front wheel got ice behind it and started to come away a bit - was easily pushed back into place but if left would have fouled the wheel and been damaged.