Winter in the UK brings unique challenges for drivers and their vehicles. Cold temperatures, icy conditions, and road salt can all take a toll on your car's performance and longevity. By preparing your vehicle before the cold weather hits, you can avoid breakdowns, ensure safer driving, and potentially save money on emergency repairs.
Essential Winter Maintenance Checks
1. Battery Care
Car batteries are particularly vulnerable during winter months. Cold temperatures reduce a battery's ability to provide enough power to start and run your vehicle.
Battery Tips:
- Have your battery professionally tested, especially if it's more than three years old
- Clean any corrosion from battery terminals and cable connections
- Consider a battery blanket or insulator for extreme cold
- Ensure your alternator is charging properly
Remember: Battery problems are the number one cause of winter breakdowns in the UK. A battery that performs well in milder weather may fail when temperatures drop below freezing.
2. Antifreeze/Coolant System
Your car's cooling system needs special attention before winter arrives. Proper antifreeze levels protect your engine from freezing and prevent corrosion inside the cooling system.
Antifreeze Tips:
- Check coolant levels and top up if necessary with the correct antifreeze mix
- Aim for a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for optimal protection
- Have the cooling system flushed every two years
- Inspect hoses and connections for leaks or deterioration
Many modern vehicles require specific types of antifreeze. Using the wrong type can cause damage to your engine and cooling system components. Consult your owner's manual or speak with one of our technicians if you're unsure.
3. Tyre Preparation
Tyres are your only point of contact with the road, making them especially important during winter driving conditions.
Tyre Tips:
- Check tyre pressure regularly - cold temperatures cause pressure to drop
- Ensure tread depth is at least 3mm for winter driving (1.6mm is the legal minimum)
- Consider winter tyres if you live in an area with frequent snow or ice
- Check your spare tyre (if equipped) and know how to fit it
Winter tyres can provide up to 60% more traction in snow and ice compared to standard tyres. They're made from a different rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures and have tread patterns designed to disperse snow and slush.
4. Visibility Systems
Winter brings shorter daylight hours and often poor visibility conditions. Ensuring all your lights and visibility systems are working properly is crucial for safe winter driving.
Visibility Tips:
- Check all exterior lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights
- Replace worn wiper blades with winter-specific ones if possible
- Top up washer fluid with winter-grade fluid that won't freeze
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, and lights before driving
Snow build-up on your vehicle's roof can slide down onto your windscreen when braking, while snow covering lights reduces your visibility to other road users. Take the extra time to clear your entire vehicle, not just a small portion of the windscreen.
5. Engine Oil
The right engine oil can make a significant difference to how your car starts and runs in cold weather.
Oil Tips:
- Consider switching to a lower viscosity oil for winter if recommended by your manufacturer
- Ensure you're not overdue for an oil change
- Check oil levels regularly
Modern synthetic oils typically perform better in cold weather than conventional oils. They flow more easily at low temperatures, ensuring your engine gets proper lubrication from the moment you start the car.
Emergency Preparedness
Even with proper maintenance, winter breakdowns can still occur. Being prepared for emergencies is an essential part of winter car care.
Winter Emergency Kit:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries
- Jump leads
- Warm clothes and blankets
- High-visibility vest
- First aid kit
- Food and drink supplies
- Phone charger
- Snow shovel (if in an area prone to heavy snow)
Keep your fuel tank at least half full during winter to prevent fuel line freezing and ensure you have enough fuel to keep the engine running and the heater on if you become stranded.
Professional Winter Service
While many winter checks can be performed at home, a professional winter service provides comprehensive preparation for the harsh months ahead.
At AutoCare UK, our winter service includes:
- Complete battery health check and charging system analysis
- Antifreeze testing and top-up
- Comprehensive tyre inspection and pressure adjustment
- Brake system inspection
- All lights and electrical systems check
- Wiper and washer system service
- Heating and defrosting system check
Our experienced technicians can spot potential issues before they leave you stranded in the cold, giving you peace of mind throughout the winter season.
Ready for Winter?
Don't wait until the temperatures drop to prepare your vehicle. Book your winter service with AutoCare UK today.
Book a Winter Service
