Of all the seasons, winter presents drivers with the most challenging weather conditions. That said, with a little car maintenance, you can prime your vehicle for everything that’ll come your way. If you’ve recently passed your driving test, this could be your first winter behind the wheel. With that in mind, we’ve made a checklist you can use to prepare your car for the freezing weather.
How to prepare your car for winter
Check your battery
When a cold snap hits, your car’s battery will be working overtime. That’s because you’ll be using your heaters, lights, and windscreen wipers a lot more.
A car’s battery can be finished off by a chilly spell, especially if it’s coming to the end of its life. If you’re confident, you can buy a battery tester to check the voltage yourself. If not, ask a professional to check the state of your battery for you.
If your car is due a service, make sure it’s ticked off in time for the winter months.
Check your oil
Oil is essential for a smooth-running car. That said, even experienced drivers forget to check their oil level.
The dipstick is easy to spot in your engine bay. Simply pull it out for a reading. If the level is low, give your car a top up. Be careful not to overfill it though, as too much oil is just as likely to cause damage as too little.
It’s important to use the right type of oil and check your car’s handbook if there’s anything you’re unsure of.
Top up your fluids
Visibility is crucial to safe driving in the darker months. Remember to top up your washer fluid with a variety that can handle sub-zero temperatures. Winter-specific screen wash contains de-icing ingredients which will help to keep your windscreen clear.
You can also help stop your engine freezing with a top up of anti-freeze and coolant. Check your owner’s manual for the appropriate ratio of anti-freeze and water for your car. This mixture stops your engine freezing and helps to avoid corrosion.
Check your windscreen and wiper blades
This cosy season, make sure you clean your windscreen, both inside and out. At the same time, check the glass for any chips or cracks as they can grow in wintry weather.
Next, take a closer look at your windscreen wipers and examine them for tears. Torn wipers can smear dirt across the glass instead of cleaning it. Also, if they’re squeaking a lot or don’t move smoothly, it may be time to get them replaced. You can fit new wiper blades yourself or call in at a garage for assistance.
If your wipers are frozen to your windscreen, don’t switch them on or try to pull them off the glass. Defrost the windscreen thoroughly first.
Check your lights
Winter days are short and throw everything from fog and rain to snow and ice at drivers. The darker days also make visibility poorer, making driving more of a challenge. One way to tackle this is to make sure that your car’s headlights, brake lights, indicators and taillights are in full working order. Replace any burnt out bulbs as soon as possible and take opportunities to clean your lights.
Restock your emergency kit
Keeping an emergency kit in your car is always a good idea, especially during winter. Make sure your kit is topped up and contains things like:
- A high-vis vest
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- A torch
- Blankets
- Warm clothing
- Long-life snacks
- A phone charger
- An ice scraper and de-icer
If you break down, having supplies to hand makes a huge difference.
Check and rotate your tyres
Tyres are the only touchpoint between your car and the roads. Before winter hits, make sure that the depth of your tyre treads is well above the legal limit. It’s also wise to check that each tyre is inflated correctly, as cold weather can cause pressures to drop. Tyres which are properly inflated help to improve handling and boost safety in icy conditions.
If you take your car to the garage, a qualified mechanic will be able to help you make the necessary checks. They’ll also be able to get your car up on a lift, which makes rotating your tyres much easier.
You might also want to think about switching to winter tyres. They have thicker treads which gives your car a firmer grip on the road surface. So, even when it’s icy, you’ll be more able to keep your vehicle under control.
Check your brakes
Wintery weather calls for brakes in tip top condition. Have yours looked at by a professional mechanic to make sure they’re in full working order. If it becomes apparent that your brake pads or discs are worn, replacing them will restore peak braking performance.
If your brakes squeal when you’re driving, a trip to the garage is a must.
