Winter car preparation guide: 11 essential checks

As temperatures drop, your car needs extra care. Here are 11 essential checks to get it winter-ready.

Winter is coming, and cold temperatures, snow, and icy roads can put extra strain on your car – and on you as a driver. The last thing you want is to get caught off guard with a breakdown in harsh weather.

Regular maintenance is important year-round, but skipping checks before winter can lead to bigger problems when conditions are at their worst.

To help you stay safe and keep your car running smoothly, we’ve put together 11 essential checks to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready and ready to handle whatever the season throws at you.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Check your oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Running low or dirty oil can cause serious damage, especially in cold weather. Here are a couple of things you can do:

• Check and top up regularly: Check the oil dipstick once a week and top up if needed.
• Change on schedule: Follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations. Some modern cars even have digital service indicators to alert you when it’s time.

A well-lubricated engine starts more easily in cold weather and performs efficiently.

2. Inspect your battery

Cold weather is tough on car batteries. Reduced charge capacity can leave you stranded, especially if your battery is already a few years old or you mainly take short trips.

• Look for warning signs: Slow starting, dim interior lights, or the battery warning light on your dashboard.
• Preventive charging: Charge older batteries weekly during winter.

If your battery struggles, it’s safer to replace it before it leaves you stuck in the cold.

3. Maintain coolant and antifreeze

Your car’s cooling system does more than prevent overheating – it also stops your engine from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. Here are some suggestions on what to do:

• Maintain a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
• Flush the system every two years to prevent buildup and freezing.
• Avoid topping up with just water, which can dilute the mixture and reduce effectiveness.

4. Top up windscreen washer fluid

A clean windscreen is so important when winter weather reduces visibility. For this, we advise that you:

• Check the reservoir: Not all cars have low-fluid indicators.
• Use winter-specific washer fluid: It resists freezing and cleans your windscreen better than plain water.

5. Replace or inspect windscreen wipers

Wiper blades degrade over time, especially in harsh weather. We recommend that you:

• Inspect for damage: Tears or splits reduce effectiveness.
• Replace annually to maintain clear visibility in rain, sleet, or snow.

6. Check your tyres

Tyres are your car’s main contact with the road, and good grip is essential in winter conditions.

• Check the tread depth: Replace tyres at 2-3mm of tread remaining (legal minimum is 1.6mm).
• Consider winter or all-season tyres for improved traction.
• Check your spare, jack, and tools before heading out.

Even a short slip on ice can be dangerous, so good tyres can make all the difference.

7. Inspect your lights

Winter days are short, so your headlights and indicators are vital to keep you safe.

• Check all lights: Headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
• Clean cloudy covers: Restoring murky headlights improves visibility.
• Carry spare bulbs and ensure headlight washers work if they have this feature.

8. Prepare a winter car kit

Emergencies happen, especially in winter. A well-stocked winter kit can make a stressful situation more manageable. Prepare a kit that includes essentials such as:

• Coolant, oil, washer fluid
• Windscreen scraper
• Backup phone battery
• Hi-vis vest, torch, warning triangle
• Space blanket, water, snacks
• Emergency flare, extra clothes

A kit like this can be a lifesaver if you get stuck in the cold.

9. Consider a winter car service

Not everyone is confident in checking their car themselves, and that’s okay. A winter car service ensures your car is safe and ready for harsh conditions. Most garages will check:

• Tyres, oil, coolant, and battery
• Headlights and wipers
• Overall winter readiness

Some garages even offer free winter checks, giving peace of mind before long journeys.

10. Check your breakdown cover

Getting stranded on the side of the road in winter is stressful and potentially dangerous. That’s where breakdown cover becomes a lifeline. So, we’d advise that you:

• Check whether your insurance policy includes breakdown cover.
• Some policies offer breakdown cover only as an add-on – it’s worth shopping around to get the best value.
• Make sure your cover includes roadside assistance, towing, and emergency support, especially during long trips.

11. Practice safe winter driving

Even a perfectly prepared car can be dangerous if you’re not cautious. So, here are some tips to bear in mind:

• Plan your journey ahead of time.
• Avoid unnecessary trips in icy or snowy conditions.
• Drive within your limits: Slippery roads demand smooth, controlled driving.
• Keep fuel and battery topped up.
• Never leave home without your winter kit.

Winter car preparation isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns – it’s about safety, confidence, and peace of mind. By checking your oil, battery, coolant, washer fluid, wipers, tyres, lights, winter kit, having a car service, and practicing safe driving, you can tackle winter roads with confidence.

A little preparation goes a long way, so don’t wait for the first snowfall to get ready. Being prepared and cautious helps keep you and your passengers safe all season long.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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