Winter service checks – don’t forget the filters, advises First Line

During the winter months there is sure to be plenty of adverse weather conditions, all of which could hinder the performance of the vehicle, as several key components will be more exposed to the elements and prone to failure.

As a result, when a vehicle enters the workshop for a service during this period, it is important to make sure that it is winter ready before heading back out on to the road. Filters are one of the components that must be replaced in line with the manufacturers schedule, as they are vital in maximising the longevity and efficiency of both the vehicle and the comfort of its occupants.

These components have several major elements to ensure that they function correctly and in the case of oil, air and fuel filters, will preserve the life of the engine, which is why, in keeping with Borg & Beck policy, the entire range is manufactured to its exacting standards and undergoes rigorous product testing to ensure the consistency of performance that is expected with a premium product.

During a winter service, all four filters should be considered and replaced if necessary. However, the cabin filter can be exposed to particular stress because it may have been used considerably over the summer, so will already have worked hard filtering out the harmful particles and contaminants. Therefore, added pressure in the winter could lead to decreased heater performance, unpleasant odours and safety issues, as the windows may not be able to clear properly, affecting the vision of the driver.

A sure sign that the cabin filter needs replacing is if the windscreen begins to mist or takes a long time to de-mist. To prevent these potential health and safety issues from occurring, technicians should be recommending filter replacement and, irrespective of these known problems, cabin filters should be automatically replaced every 12 months.

With this in mind, First Line Ltd, under the Borg & Beck brand, has continued to add to its extensive product portfolio and in 2017 alone, the company introduced more than 210 new-to-range (NTR) references. This includes 77 air, 36 fuel, 12 oil and 86 cabin filters to give workshops the right, premium products on-hand to carry out successful maintenance on the vehicle.

Whilst the car is in the workshop, technicians should take the opportunity to check the functionality of the wiper blades. Wiper blades are constantly exposed to changing weather conditions and temperature changes and over time, the rubber blades will inevitably deteriorate and visibility could be affected and become dangerous. Being able to see clearly during bad weather when visibility can be poor is crucial, therefore it is strongly recommended that the wiper blades are replaced annually. To help technicians relay this important message to their customers, First Line Ltd has designed a fantastic poster (pictured) to be placed in workshop reception areas.