Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving

From sudden snow blizzards to unexpected ice and frost, the extremes of UK winter weather conditions can take their toll on our vehicles and cause countless breakdowns on chilly mornings – not to mention put drivers at risk of road accidents.

But while we can't predict the weather, we can prepare for the worst by readying our vehicles for winter. As part of our Winter Driving series, which also includes tips on driving safely in winter weather conditions. From ensuring your wheels are fit for winter driving to what equipment to pack in the boot, here are our tips on preparing your vehicle for winter driving, both inside and out.

How to Perform a Vehicle Health Check

We aren't the only ones who can feel a little sluggish and run-down in winter – the weather can affect the health of our vehicles too. Before winter sets in, it's a good idea to give your motor a once-over with our winter checklist to help minimise your chances of a breakdown in harsher weather conditions. Here are the winter vehicle checks which we recommend carrying out, many of which can be easily done at home by yourself.

Alloys Wheels and Tyres

Nothing tests the health of your alloy wheels and tyres like ice or snow-covered roads, so check that they have an adequate depth of tread (minimum 3mm), that there are no splits or bulges, and that they are at the correct pressure.

For the most peace of mind, purchase a set of winter tyres from LK Performance. Created using a special rubber compound that performs better in cold weather conditions, winter tyres can help to improve braking performance. Stopping distances on wet roads reduces by up to 10% and as much as 20% on snow-covered roads.

Winter tyres also have a different tread pattern from regular tyres. They have deep grooves called ‘sipes' that are designed to channel away clumps of snow and help the tyres retain a grip on the road. Having winter wheels fitted is necessary if you live in an area that is especially prone to deep snow, or you will have to do a lot of driving this winter, but every driver can benefit from winter tyres – so why not take a look at winter tyres from LK Performance to find a set that suits your needs and budget? 

Car Battery

Both the RAC and The AA say that they receive more call-outs for battery-related issues than any other problem, and car batteries are at their most vulnerable during winter. There are several reasons for this:

• The cold weather slows down the chemical reaction taking place inside the battery, providing less energy and making it harder to start your vehicle.
• It also affects your car battery's ability to charge as effectively when driving.
• In cold weather conditions, your car battery capacity may diminish by as much as a third.
• Electrical items, including headlights, windscreen wipers and heaters, are used more frequently and for longer periods during winter, putting further strain on an already compromised car battery.

If you haven't checked or changed your car battery in some time, it's recommended that you do so in time for winter. Firstly, give your battery a visual check to ensure that there are no loose wires or corrosion, and if you haven't used the battery in some time, it may need to be charged before use. If your battery has not been replaced in up to five years or if it has been struggling when starting the engine, it may be a good idea to replace your battery altogether.

Our article on winter vehicle maintenance tips offers advice on taking care of your vehicle battery throughout the winter months.

Screenwash

Windscreens tend to get much dirtier in the winter months, and you'll deplete your supply of screenwash faster than usual, so top it up and keep checking it regularly.

Engine Coolant and Antifreeze

Check your engine coolant/antifreeze and top it up if needs be. Your vehicle's handbook should include advice on how much and what type of coolant/anti-freeze you should use – it's typically a 50/50 mix of coolant/antifreeze and distilled water - but if you're not sure, it's best to ask a professional at your local garage.

Windscreen Wiper Blades

From heavy rain to snow and sleet, your windscreen wiper blades are put through their paces in winter weather, so inspect them for any signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary. You should also check them regularly through the winter as they are prone to becoming frozen to the windscreen.

Headlights and Other Exterior Lights

You'll be using your headlights seemingly non-stop during the winter months, so check that you have no broken bulbs or glass and that all your exterior lights are working reliably.

Be Prepared With These Winter Vehicle Essentials

Now that you've carried out the winter health check, you should stock it with a few essential items that could be invaluable should you suffer a breakdown or any other minor troubles this winter. Here is what we recommend always keeping in your vehicle as a winter survival kit.

High-Visibility Jacket

If you need to leave your vehicle after a breakdown or when having to perform a vehicle check on a dark road, hi-vis clothing could save your life. Always keep a hi-vis waistcoat or jacket in your vehicle that you can quickly put on and ensure you're seen.

First Aid Kit

You never know when you'll need it – but you'll always be glad you have it. A basic First Aid kit includes plasters, bandages and anti-bacterial wipes or cream, and is crucial in every vehicle.

Water and Snacks

In more severe winter conditions, you could be waiting long periods for roadside assistance. Keep bottles of water and some sugary or carbohydrate-rich snacks, like cereal bars or dried fruit, within easy reach so you can stay hydrated and full of energy.

Warm Blankets Or Clothing

You can't rely on always having your vehicle heaters through the winter, so keep several warm blankets or items of clothing, such as gloves, jackets and hats, in your vehicle for when you need to layer up or stay warm and comfortable in the event of a breakdown.

Spare Tyre and Puncture Repair Kit

Punctures can happen in any season, but you especially don't want to deal with one in the winter. If your spare tyre is missing, now is the time to replace it, and ensure that you store it with a car jack and wheel-nut wrench so you can change it yourself if needs be.

On the other hand, if your vehicle comes with a puncture repair kit, ensure that all of the components are present and that you know how to use them.

Reflective Warning Triangle

If you break down, a reflective warning triangle warns other drivers approaching you. Place the triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle to alert other drivers that you are ahead (but are not permitted to be used on motorways).

Vehicle Manual

Most of us only take the time to read our vehicle manual when there's a problem. Nonetheless, it’s full of information you may need to use in the case of a breakdown or issue or to find the correct tyre pressure when carrying out your winter vehicle checks. Keep your manual in your vehicle so it's always there when you need it.

Jumper Cables

As previously mentioned, vehicle batteries are especially prone to running flat in winter. The best practice is to keep a pair of jumper cables on hand so another driver can help you to get going again – or indeed, you can help someone else too.

Road Atlas Or A-Z

You may scoff at the thought of using a road atlas when you most likely have a perfectly good GPS built into your smartphone, but when you lose signal or have a flat phone battery, you could be stuck. Keep a road atlas or A-Z in your glove compartment so you can always find your way, especially on those cold nights when you want to get home.

In-Car Phone Charger

Always keep your phone fully juiced when driving in the winter in case an incident does occur, and this can be handled with a quality in-car phone charger that preferably has several different ports for a variety of phone models or devices. Avoid using your charger when your car is stationary as this can be bad news for your battery; instead, only charge your phone while driving.

Wind-Up Torch

Again, most smartphones have a built-in torch now. But for sheer reliability, you can't beat a wind-up torch. Plus, you won't have to worry about dropping it in the snow while checking around or under your vehicle.

Now that you're up to speed on getting your car ready for winter, take a look at our article on safe winter driving for a complete guide to Winter Driving.