Winter Driving - How to ensure your vehicle is safe in the cold!

Winter can be a challenging time for our cars. Follow this guide to ensure your vehicle is safe.

With winter in full swing, snow, ice and cold temperatures, your vehicle must be in tip-top condition to ensure you stay safe.

Keeping on top of your car maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle is road worthy, especially in demanding conditions.

Here are ten things you need to check to ensure you’re not calling for your breakdown cover this winter.

Under the bonnet –

Oil

Ensuring you have the correct amount of oil in your vehicle is very important. Newer cars will have a built-in sensor system that will notify you when your oil is low; for older vehicles, you may need to check this the old-fashioned way by using the dipstick. (Video Link Here)

A vehicle with low or no oil can cause a considerable amount of damage to your engine. The oil needs to be changed regularly to allow your car to perform at its best. Check online or in your owner’s manual for when this needs to be completed.

Batteries

During the cold, your car’s battery will be under extra strain. The battery is the most common reason for people breaking down during the cold months.

The low temperatures affect the battery’s ability to produce an electrical charge so that it can die quicker in the winter months over the summer.

If your vehicle is struggling to start or the battery warning light is illuminated, it could suggest you require a replacement battery.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Your vehicle cooling systems are made up of water and antifreeze. It moves around the engine while being driven to keep it cool, preventing it from freezing when left outside in subzero conditions.

Topping up your cooling system with just water, over time, can lead to the dilution being too one-sided and resulting in the coolant freezing.

To ensure this is not the case, have your coolant flushed every couple of years and ensure you top this up with an antifreeze and water mixture.

Washer Fluid

Washer fluid is vital during the winter; with salt on the roads, rain and dirt, your windscreen can quickly become dirty. Ensure your washer fluid is topped up with specific washer fluid, as this does not freeze as soon as just water.

Outside of the vehicle

Windscreen wipers

Your wipers can spend months without being used and generally deteriorate. If you notice them not moving freely or not clearing the windscreen effectively, it’s time to have them changed. Generally speaking, it’s good to budget for them to be changed annually.

Tyres

The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm; although this is the legal limit, when your vehicle’s tyres drop below 3mm, the stopping distance and handling are significantly reduced.

When driving on muddy or slushy roads, the more tread, the better the grip. It is not a legal requirement to have winter tyres in the UK. However, it is well advised if you plan on venturing into a snowy area.

Summer tyres are best suited for the warmer weather, whereas all-season tyres are the best go-to for all-year-round grip. They provide extra grip when needed during the colder months.

Lights

With the nights drawing in, you will likely find yourself driving in the dark a little more often than during the summer. Checking that all of your bulbs are working and that your headlights are aligned is important.

Not just the bulbs, however, but the actual headlight casing can cause issues during the winter. Ensuring they are not milky or faded will ensure maximum clarity when driving in the dark. They can be polished to bring back the clearness, or you may need to replace them.

Also, check that your brake lights are all working; you may need a friend to help.

We would always advise you to carry a spare set of bulbs In your car.

 General Preparation for winter driving

The kit you should consider keeping in your vehicle.

Some eventualities cannot be avoided – so preparing for all outcomes is vital – here are some of the basics.

Coolant

Oil

Washer fluid

Portable phone charger

Torch, hi-vis and warning triangle

Space blanket

Spare clothes (Warm ones!)

Winter car service

If you are not keen to check your car, it’s a good idea to go to a garage and have them do it for you. It’s also a good time to have them check for any issues.

Some garages offer free checks. They will be checking the following;

Tyre

Oil/coolant levels

Battery

Headlights

Windscreen wipers

Breakdown cover

Breaking down is never fun; however, sometimes, it cannot be avoided, especially in the cold and dark!  Ensuring you have a good breakdown cover will give you peace of mind that you won’t be stranded should anything happen. It’s worth checking to see if your insurance policy offers this cover before taking out a new one. If you don’t have it included, it’s worth spending some time looking around the market to find the best cover and value.