Top Tips for Autumn Car Maintenance

Get Your Car Ready for the Colder Months with SERE Motors 

Breaking down is bad enough in the spring and summertime, but when you’re stranded in the cold, crisp autumn, or even worse, winter, it is almost devastating, especially when you’re unprepared. As the crisp autumn air sets in and the days get shorter, it’s essential to make sure your car is ready for the colder weather ahead, and lucky for you, SERE Motors has you covered with top-notch service offers to help keep your car in top shape throughout the colder months.  

Why You Should Service Your Car in Autumn 

Autumn and winter in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, sunny one minute, gale force winds the next! That is why autumn is the perfect time to check over your car – to ensure it’s prepared before the weather gets even worse! Here’s a few reasons why it’s great to service your car in the autumn: 

• Weather: Cold, wet weather is pending, if not already here, and it can cause problems for your vehicle from decreased battery performance to icy windscreens and low tyre traction. 

• Shorter days: With the dark mornings and nights, having fully working lights and a healthy battery becomes even more important – you do not want to be stuck in the dark! 

• Road conditions: You can expect harsher weather throughout the colder seasons, which means fallen leaves, mud, and increased rain, making roads slippery! Ensuring your tyres, brakes, and window wipers are in good condition is important for your safety.   

Top Autumn Maintenance Tips 

1. Check Your Tyres: It’s important to check your tyres coming into autumn as tyre pressure tends to drop with the temperature. Low pressure in your tyres can affect handling and fuel efficiency, and to cope with wet slippery roads you’ll want to check your tread depth too. There is a legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, but we think it’s safest to have at least 3mm for better performance on autumn or winter roads.
2. Battery Health: Just like your tyres, the cold weather can take its toll on your car’s battery and the last thing you want on a cold, frosty morning is for your car not to start. If your car struggles to start, there’s a loss of power to your cars electrics (slow response or loss of power in your windows, lights, heather, or other electrical systems), your battery warning light is on your dashboard, or your car’s start-stop function stops working, it’s probably a sign you need your battery replaced. If you are concerned about your car's battery health, contact us!
3. Wiper Blades & Screen Wash: We all know what comes with autumn and winter (a bit like spring and summer) ... Rain, so good visibility is key. Now is a good time to replace worn-out wiper blades and top up your [winter ready] screen wash to handle those frosty mornings.
4. Brakes: Wet, slippery roads can affect your braking distance, so it’s good to have your brake pads, discs, and fluid checked – and getting these checked regularly could even help you avoid costly repairs in the future! Remember when it’s raining your braking distance should be double what it is on dry roads and when it’s snowing your braking distance should be ten times what it is on dry roads! Better safe than sorry, so if you want to increase your braking distance even further, do what makes you feel safest.
5. Lights: You should regularly be checking the lights on your car if you frequently drive in the dark, but with the shorter days coming, you’ll be using your headlights more. Make sure your lights – headlights, brake lights, and indicators – are working properly: if any of them dim or flicker, it’s time to get them replaced!

Why Choose SERE Motors for Your Autumn Service? 

At SERE Motors, our expertise goes beyond selling cars—we take care of them too! Here’s why you should choose us for your autumn car service: 

• Expert Technicians: Our experienced technicians in Belfast and Lisburn know cars inside and out so whether it’s a routine check-up or a more detailed service, you can trust us to ensure your car is running smoothly and safely. 

• Genuine Parts: We only use high-quality, genuine parts, and state-of-the-art equipment so you can trust that your car is in the best hands. 

• Electric Vehicles: We’re a modern company that keeps up with the automotive industry, so our technicians are trained in the latest EV technology, meaning we can be there for our EV customers long after they have bought their car.  

• Customer Focused: Our team takes pride in providing excellent customer service. We’ll keep you informed at every step of the way, offering transparent pricing and honest advice. Additionally, every service includes a complimentary post-service wash and vacuum, ensuring your car returns to you in pristine condition.    

• Franchise Approved: We are franchise approved for aftersales for KGM, SEAT, MG, SsangYong, FIAT, Renault, Mitsubishi, and Chevrolet, which means we meet strict standards set by the vehicle manufacturers for everything from the quality of the work and parts and equipment used, to the training of our staff. 

Service Offers at SERE Motors 

• SEAT: ALL-IN PACKAGE: All-in is an aftercare plan designed to keep you driving care-free. The plan includes 2 services, 2 MOTs, 2 years' Roadside Assistance and up to 2 years' Warranty.  

• SEAT: TWO SERVICES FOR YOUR NEW SEAT: Designed for your new SEAT, receive your first two services for a fixed price, giving you the benefit of being able to budget easily. The Service Plan includes your 1st and 2nd services only. 

• SEAT: STANDARD OR PLUS SERVICE PLAN: As your SEAT ages, additional components require replacement or inspection, luckily SEAT has two levels of prices and cover to choose from!  

• KGM: 3-YEAR SERVICE PLANS: Your vehicle's first three scheduled services, first MOT, and 2-years extended RAC roadside recovery 

• KGM KORANDO E-MOTION SERVICE PLAN: £14.99 per month 

• KGM TORRES EVX SERVICE PLAN: £17.99 per month 

• KGM TIVOLI SERVICE PLAN: £25.99 per month 

• KGM TORRES SERVICE PLAN: £25.99 per month 

• KGM KORANDO SERVICE PLAN: From £25.99 per month 

• KGM MUSSO SERVICE PLAN: £32.99 per month 

• KGM REXTON SERVICE PLAN: £33.99 per month 

SERE Motors Service Plan: We offer service plans from three to five years with regular service intervals which can either be an annual service or mileage intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Contact us for a quote!  

Things to Keep in Your Car Coming into Winter 

As we approach colder months, it’s smart to be prepared for whatever the weather throws at us. Here are a few essentials to keep in your car this winter: 

1. De-icer & Ice Scraper: No one wants to be stuck scraping frost off the windscreen with their bank card, so keep a proper scraper and de-icer spray handy for those frosty mornings AND DO NOT USE BOILING HOT WATER (this could cause your windscreen to crack).  
2. Blanket: Just in case you get stuck in bad weather, your heater stops working, or if you have to wait out a delay (or you might fancy a picnic), a warm blanket can make a huge difference to your experience.  
3. Phone Charger or Power Bank: In winter, the last thing you want is a dead phone battery, especially if you need roadside assistance, so make sure you have your charger and your power bank is charged before going on any long journeys.  
4. Tyre Inflator: Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop so having a portable tyre inflator can help you top up air pressure on the go, keeping your tyres performing well on icy roads! 
5. First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have one in the car, but especially in winter when road conditions can be more dangerous. 
6. High-Visibility Jacket and Torch: If you must stop at night (or 4pm... 😢) in bad weather, having a hi-vis jacket and a working torch will keep you safer and visible to other road users. 
7. Snacks & Water: Keep a few snacks and some water bottles in the car, just in case you're stuck in traffic or bad weather for longer than expected. 

Get Ready for Autumn with SERE Motors 

Don’t let the changing weather catch you out—book a service at SERE Motors in Belfast and Lisburn today to ensure your car is ready for whatever the season brings. With our expert technicians, exclusive offers, and dedication to customer care, we’re here to help you drive safely into the colder months.