Winter car maintenance

Driving in winter can be tricky. Darker days, cold temperatures and unpredictable weather can make it a challenging time to be on the road.
However, you can get prepared with some simple car maintenance checks. Here’s our list of the top things to look out for before your next trip:

1. Make sure you have full visibility

It’s not the most exciting job, but clear the windows, mirrors and lights of ice or snow before you set off. It’s essential that you can see clearly and that your lights work properly so people can see you. Remember to do the roof too, as snow can slide off onto your windscreen when you’re on the move. 

It's also worth checking that your wiper blades are in good condition. Rubber on the blades degrades over time, so you should look to replace them once a year.

2. Check the car battery

A flat battery is one of the most common reasons why the breakdown services are called out in winter. Cold, damp conditions make them more likely to fail. But a flat battery is easy to avoid. Simply get a free battery health check at an industry-approved car maintenance centre in the UK. It’ll give you peace of mind on those frosty mornings. 

3. Test the tyre tread

Cold, wet or icy roads dramatically affect the performance of your tyres. To stay safe, check the tyre tread to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Once the tread depth gets below 3mm it can increase your stopping distance significantly, so you might want to consider replacing the tyres. Check tyre pressures regularly too, particularly before a long journey.

If you decide to get winter tyres for your vehicle, you’ll be pleased to know it won’t affect your insurance with us. The tyres just need to be fitted to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and be in a roadworthy condition.

4. Keep liquid levels topped up

Before you sit behind the wheel, pop up the bonnet and check the car’s fluid levels. The oil, brake fluid, screen wash and engine coolant may need filling up. It’s recommended that you change the engine coolant in your vehicle every other autumn to remove harmful acids that can build up over time. Fill it with one part water and one part anti-freeze to give it the best protection against freezing when the temperature drops.

5. Pack some emergency essentials 

It’s always good to be prepared for the worst. If you breakdown during the winter months, it’ll be a cold wait, so make sure to pack a coat or blanket, water and snacks and a phone charger. Why not cover all bases and pack a tow rope, torch and shovel in the boot too. 

Once you tick off this list, you’ll be ready for your next winter adventure.