Travel

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter: 10-Point Checklist

Avoid breakdowns in the cold with simple checks you can do yourself.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

Cold weather is hard on cars. Batteries struggle, tyres lose grip and visibility drops. A quick winter check helps avoid breakdowns and keeps you safe.

The 10-point checklist

  1. Battery: batteries often fail in cold weather. Get older batteries tested.
  2. Tyres: check tread depth and pressure. Consider winter or all-season tyres where conditions require.
  3. Lights: make sure all lights work and are clean.
  4. Wipers: replace worn blades that smear.
  5. Screenwash: use a winter screenwash that won't freeze.
  6. Antifreeze/coolant: check the level and strength.
  7. Oil: check the level and top up if needed.
  8. Brakes: have them checked if they feel different or make noise.
  9. Heater and demister: make sure they work well.
  10. Emergency kit: blanket, torch, scraper, de-icer, snacks, water and a charger.
Quick tyre checkInsert a coin into the tread. If you can easily see the outer band or edge, the tread may be too low — get it checked.

Before every winter drive

  • Clear all windows and lights completely.
  • Let the windscreen demist fully before setting off.
  • Keep at least half a tank of fuel.

If you're unsure about anything, a garage can do a winter check quickly and affordably.

#Travel#Winter
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Written by Editorial Team

Our editors research, test and simplify everyday tasks so you can get them right the first time. Spotted something we should update? Let us know on our contact page.

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