This 10-step routine will help you love your car this winter
1. Check your oil and fuel levels
Try to keep your fuel tank above half-full throughout winter, to prevent breaking down in freezing temperatures. Regularly check your oil is between the minimum and maximum marks on your car's dipstick, too – this is best done when your car’s fully warmed up.
2. Keep Your lights clean
Thanks to rain, mud, and salt on the road, cars can get extremely dirty in winter. It’s particularly important to keep your number plate clean – you could face a fine if it’s unreadable while driving. Clean your lights, and ask someone outside the car to check they work properly, too.
3. Test your battery
A flat or faulty battery is one of the biggest causes of breakdowns, and failure is more likely in winter weather. One warning sign is your engine turning over more slowly than usual when you start it, and you should aim to change your battery every three years.
4. Pay attention to dashboard warning lights
Do you know what the warning lights on your dashboard mean? Lots of people don’t, and winter’s a good time to brush up on what’s what. If you can’t find your car manufacturer’s user manual, you can order a new one from your car dealership, or online.
5. Assess your tyres
Worn tyres are dangerous at any time, and especially in icy, snowy or wet conditions, so make sure you carry a spare, and check that it’s roadworthy. By law, tyres need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, but some experts recommend aiming for 3mm to maintain safe stopping distances.
6. Check your wiper blades and windscreen wash
Check your wipers are in good condition, with no tears or holes, wipe them down regularly, and make sure you can clean your windscreen properly. It’s dangerous – and illegal – to let your windscreen wash run dry, and in winter you’ll need plenty of it, thanks to the dirtier roads.
7. Top up your antifreeze
Antifreeze prevents the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is topped up as soon as the weather turns cold.
8. Check if your car is due a service
Like lots of our tips, this one’s important year-round, but winter means it’s a bit more urgent. A service is usually recommended every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever is sooner – but every car is different, so check your owner’s handbook for your car’s recommended service schedule.
9. Check your brakes
Your brakes need to be in tip-top condition, especially in winter. If they squeal, make other noises, or generate strange sensations, get them checked ASAP.
10. Carry the right gear
Winter breakdowns can be tough, so check you have these items stashed in your car, just in case:
- Ice scraper and de-icer.
- Warning triangle.
- Warm clothing and a blanket, rug or sleeping bag.
- Practical footwear, like wellies.
- Torch and batteries.
- Mobile phone and charger.