It can be extremely challenging when you’re driving in winter conditions, which is why it’s always best to prepare yourself and your car for winter. It’s important we look after our cars throughout the year but during the colder months, it’s vital that we take a bit of extra thought. To avoid potential breakdowns and other challenges from winter driving, you should always take some precautions.
Winter checklist
Fit your car with winter tyres
With snow and ice taking over the roads, you might want to consider replacing your current tyres with winter tyres. These winter tyres will provide you with a better grip on the roads and improve your stopping distances in poor conditions. If you decide to get winter tyres fitted, you should always make sure they’re in good condition. Tyre safety is key, remember to check the tyre tread, make sure the tyre pressure is correct and look for any unusual bumps, wear or general damage.
Check your car battery
If your car seems to be taking a bit longer to start than usual or your car lights are dim, these may be signs that your car battery needs to be replaced. The cold weather not only makes it harder for an engine to start but also has a negative impact on the power a battery can deliver. If you fear you are experiencing some problems with your battery, you should definitely get it checked, otherwise, the cold weather could be its (and your) downfall.
Top up your fluids
Ensure your engine is cold and that you are parked on a flat level surface when checking your car’s fluids. Check the fluids listed below and make sure you use the correct ratio and don’t exceed the maximum level line:
- Oil
- Windscreen wiper fluid, your windscreen often becomes dirtier over winter
- Antifreeze, which is added to engine coolant water
Check your lights
Winter driving consists of rain, sleet and snow combined with long periods of darkness. Therefore you’re going to be dependent on your lights to keep you safe and visible on the roads. Ensure you are driving safely and avoiding any type of danger by checking your headlights, fog lights, indicators, reversing lights and brake lights are all working. Once these have been checked, ensure that they are cleaned thoroughly.
Check your wiper blades
The cold weather can always impact your wiper blades performance, they can make them stiff and brittle. You should always be careful not to pull them off if they’re frozen, de-icer will help. However, if your windscreen wipers are struggling to clear your windscreen effectively, they will need replacing.
Prepare a winter car kit
It may seem a bit extreme but preparing a winter car survival kit could be really helpful and keep you safe if your car breaks down. You should recommend carrying the following equipment with you:
- Ice scraper
- Hi-vis jacket/warning triangle
- Carpet/rubber matting
- Torch
- Tow rope
- First aid kit
- Spare boots/warm clothes
- Fuel can/jump leads
- Shovel
- Food and drink