Preparing Your Car for Driving in Winter

Nobody enjoys driving during winter, and even experienced, confident drivers feel stressed and anxious in periods of extreme weather. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and short days make perilous driving conditions, so it is vital that you know how to prepare your vehicle for driving in the winter months. Here are a few of the best steps to take.

This is a collaborative post.

Checking Your Car

First, there are various checks that you should perform during winter to make sure that your car is roadworthy and safe.

First, you should check the tyre pressure and tread depth. Tyres need to be inflated to the right pressure for optimal performance and safety, so you should check these regularly and top up as required. The tyres need enough tread depth to grip the roads, which is particularly important in slippery conditions. You can check the tread depth with the 20p check – 1.6mm is the legal minimum, but it is recommended that you replace your car tyres once you reach 3mm.

It is also important to check the various fluid levels in your vehicle, as these are critical to performance and safety. You will want to check the engine oil, anti-freeze, screen wash, and brake fluids and top up as required.

Finally, you should always keep an eye on your fuel levels in winter – you do not want to run out in the middle of nowhere! Plan your trips in advance so that you know when you should fill up.

What to Take With You

In addition to checking your car over, there are a few items that you should bring with you on any journey in winter (particularly long journeys). This should include a blanket and spare clothing so that you can stay warm if you break down. It is also sensible to have snacks and water as you could be stuck for a few hours.

There are also numerous safety items that you should have in the car with you. A high-vis jacket is essential so that you can be visible to other road users when outside of your car. You should also have a torch, a map, a first-aid kit, and a mobile phone charger.

It is also wise to have a few tools that could help you get back on the road. This includes items such as:

• Snow shovel
• De-icer
• Spare tyre
• Tyre changing equipment
• Jump leads

Driving during the winter months can be challenging and stressful, even for seasoned drivers. The above advice should help you prepare your car for the winter months and help you load up your car with essential items that will be useful in case you have any issues on the road. You need to prioritise safety when it comes to driving in winter and be prepared for any issues that might arise.