How To Prepare Your Car For Winter In The Uk

By Author: Lawson
Total Articles: 2
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Winter in the UK tends to be cold, wet and windy. Most of us only see occasional ice and snow so unless you live in a remote area of the Scottish Highlands, we don’t tend worry about driving in the winter. However, we believe there are some things you should do to prepare for winter even if you live in a UK city. After all, you don’t want to break-down on a cold dark night far away from home.

Winter Car Checks
Our 5 winter checks are easy for every car owner to do.

1. Car Battery
Car battery performance starts to deteriorate after 3 years and they have to work harder in the winter. Lower temperatures make them less efficient combined with an increase in use for tasks such has headlights and heating can result in a flat battery. Nobody wants to start their day by discovering their car won’t start! The battery’s life can be shorter if your car mostly drives short distances and never gets a chance to fully charge on regular long journeys.

If your car’s battery is over 5 years old, then it is recommended that you get a new one fitted at your local garage before winter. ...
... Other signs that you need to get your battery checked or replaced are that it sometimes struggles to start especially on a colder morning or you have noticed the stop-start function has stopped working when you are stopped at traffic lights. It may be that you simply need to take your car for a long drive but it is worth getting it checked especially if you need your car for work.

2. Tyres
Unless you drive on rural roads that are prone to ice and snow, it is unlikely that you will need to change to winter tyres, however, it is important to have tyres that are in good condition. Our wet climate increases the risk of aquaplaning but having tyres with around 3mm of tread can reduced this risk and make your journey safer.

3. Lights
Clean, functioning lights are essential during the darker winter months. Even if you don’t drive at night, you will need your lights switched on during the day in most of the UK, especially in December and January when it is raining. Of course, they must all work but we also recommend keeping them clean so that other road users can see you and you can see them. It doesn’t take long for dirty road spray to make them filthy. A quick wipe can make all the difference to your visibility.

4. Windscreen
To drive legally on the road you must have a clear windscreen, so always ensure it has demisted and is clear of any ice before you drive. Check that your windscreen wipers are in good working order ahead of winter’s rainy weather and ensure your windscreen wash is full and contains anti-freeze.

5. Oil
While you are carrying out your winter checks, ensure your oil is at the correct level. You should do this regularly all year round but it is even more important during the winter months as you don’t want to break down on a cold, dark winter’s day or night.

If you get your car serviced annually, it is more likely that a quick check finds that your car is in good working order and ready for winter. However, if your MOT advised that your tyres were near end of life, this would be the time to check them and get your tyres replaced.

Emergency Winter Supplies

Ensuring your car is stocked with some emergency supplies is a good idea, especially if you are going to be driving long distances or leaving your car in a work car park all day.

An ice scraper is essential to prevent you sitting for a long time in your work car park until the windscreen has cleared. Some de-icer will also help speed up the process.

Keeping a blanket in the car will be a very welcome addition if you break-down and have a while to wait for a break down service. Also, we recommend always taking a coat with you even when you don’t think you will need it. The weather can change from dramatically from morning to evening.

A torch can be handy, although maybe not as necessary as in the past, now that all smartphones have great torches.

If your car is prone to breaking down or you have decided not to invest in a new battery, then keep some jump leads in your car.

Include a shovel, if you drive in places that often get snow.

A supply of water and snacks may be welcome if you drive long distances from home.

How Your Local Garage Can Help
If you aren't sure about car maintenance or have any worries, your local car repair garage will be able to help you.

If your car hasn't been serviced for over a year, then this is the ideal time to book your car service.