Autumn/Winter

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your car
Short dark evenings, wind, rain and frost as well as the odd spell of snow … These are the harsh conditions drivers can expect this coming winter. Your local Skoda service dealer can prepare your vehicle for the long winter ahead. Technicians at Skoda authorised service dealers can perform all winter service checks on your car so you can face this winter with confidence.  

Braking systems – just a visual check is not enough
When your brakes are in perfect condition they should not only react quickly, they must distribute brake force appropriately between all wheels. Your local Skoda dealer can conduct a system check-up on a brake testing machine to ascertain the efficiency of your brakes.
At the same time it is necessary to have the brake fluid checked. Over time the quality of brake fluid deteriorates for this reason it is recommended that brake fluid should be changed every two years in order to maintain optimum braking efficiency and safety. 



Cooling system
In addition to the examination of the cooling system, it is also very important to check the concentration of anti-freeze mixture in the system. Insufficient anti freeze can lead to damage to the radiator and cooling system. Your local Skoda dealer can do a complete check of the cooling system to prepare your car for harsh winter conditions.



Battery
In winter time your battery is placed under particular strain. When temperatures fall only some of the batteries capacity is available for starting the car. A depleted battery can freeze even at a few degrees below zero.
This is why we recommend having the battery checked at a Skoda authorised service dealer before the weather starts to turn cold and if necessary having the battery recharged and terminals cleaned and tightened properly.



Windscreen wipers
The importance of windscreen wipers is often under estimated. Your safety depends on clear vision. In Ireland with heavy precipitation it is recommended to change your wiper blades at least once if not twice per year. It is also important to check your windscreen washer reservoir to ensure there is sufficient winter additive to prevent it from freezing.
TIP for Frosty Nights: For regular windscreen wipers you place cardboard along the length of the blades to prevent them from freezing to the glass. For aero wipers, lift the wipers off the windscreen before the frost sets in. If the wiper blades do end up freezing to the glass NEVER turn them on as this could damage the wipers and the wiper motor itself.



Headlight check-up
We recommend having your headlights checked at an authorised service partner who has equipment specially designated for this test. Your dealer can also supply you with spare light bulbs and fuses to carry with you in your car.
Always remove snow and ice from the polycarbonate headlight covers using a soft brush and a de-icing liquid designated for this use. Never use a hard scraper as this could lead to irreversible damage to the protective coating on the headlight cover.



What else might you need?
• Ice scraper, de-icing spray
• Replacement anti-freeze washer filler to prevent freezing of the washer jets   
• 1l of engine oil for top-ups
• Spare bulbs
• Car care cleaning products

Spring/Summer

How to prepare your car for the main motoring season
Holiday trips away over the Spring & Summer months can place many demands on a car. Regular care ensures mobility, safety and peace of mind for both you and your passengers. In addition, it extends your car’s service life. What should preparation include?

Brake system check
The hardship of winter places increased demands on your vehicles brakes. Your local Skoda dealer can check the complete braking system including brake fluid levels (brake fluid lines and pipes for potential leaks) as well as your brake discs and pads. By asking your Skoda Service Dealer to examine your brakes you are increasing the safety of both you and your passengers. 





Cooling system check
With temperatures often dropping below freezing during winter it is possible your vehicle can develop coolant leaks due to freezing. Your local Skoda Service Dealer can complete a thorough check with particular focus on potential leaks. The coolant will be topped up and replaced if necessary.

Battery check
Your Skoda Dealer can also complete a check on your battery and if necessary have the battery terminals cleaned of oxidation and have the battery recharged. 


Shock absorber check
Over the winter road surfaces often deteriorate due to water and frost corrosion. The consequences are increased wear and tear on your vehicles suspension.  For a safe and comfortable drive it is important to check and maintain your vehicles shock absorbers, in particular their sealing, suspension and oscillation characteristics. 






Check on lighting
Properly adjusted headlights are important for a safe drive. We recommend that they be adjusted on the correct equipment at an authorised Skoda Service Dealer. Your dealer can supply and fit replacement bulbs for lights and turn signals as well as replacement fuses.


Check on windscreen wipers and lights
Windscreen wipers and washer jets are sometimes overlooked as important components of your car. Your safety depends on the quality of our view, in particular in unfavorable weather conditions. With the high levels of rain fall we enjoy here in Ireland we often have to change our wipers before our next service.
The functionality of washer jets also needs to be checked. The washer system should always be filled with a suitable blend of water and a recommended washer fluid. Your dealer can top up your vehicle with washer fluid and can also supply you with Skoda Original Washer Fluid from the range of Skoda Genuine Accessories so you can top up yourself at a later date.




Air conditioning check
Error-free functioning of the air-conditioning is important for safety as well as a pleasant cabin atmosphere during hot summer days. It pays to check the air-conditioning; your dealer can perform air-conditioning disinfection to eliminate unpleasant odors and bacteria your dealer will also inspect and if necessary replace your vehicles pollen filter.



Check on engine levels
Before embarking on a long journey it is important to check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and top-up if necessary. Your dealer can show you how to inspect your engine levels and advise you on how to top up your vehicle yourself. Your dealer can also supply you with a range of recommended engine oils and lubricants.


Lubrication of hinges and door locks
After winter driving, it is important to check the door and boot hinges and door locks. If needed, the hinges and door locks can be treated by applying a manufacturer recommended door lock treatment.






What else to take with you in addition to mandatory car accessories
• Replacement washer filler for the washer jets   
• 1 litre of engine oil for top-ups
• Spare bulbs
• Car care cleaning products
Every year, authorised service dealers prepare seasonal checks as part of specially priced spring, summer and winter service promotions. Check with your authorised Skoda service dealer to find out what is currently on offer.