Winter Car Maintenance Checklist: Be Prepared for the Road

Windscreens are starting to freeze over and grit is being spread as British roads start to frost. Winter can be tough on your vehicle and breakdown companies will often see a surge in vehicle breakdown callouts during winter.

Follow our winter car maintenance checklist to ensure you don’t end up waiting for a tow on the side of the road this season.

Poor Battery Performance Or Complete Failure in the Cold

Low winter temperatures can reduce the life expectancy of your vehicle’s battery and increase the chances of it going flat; cold weather may also cause difficulty in getting your vehicle to start after a chilly night.

Avoid a rushed morning scramble in the dark for jump leads! Park your car in a garage if possible but if not then a simple car cover can help.

If you do notice any overall underperformance in power from your vehicle, it could be a sign that your battery is on the way out. You may notice slow startups, difficulty to start the engine, dashboard warning lights or issues with your vehicle’s electrical components such as lights.

In case of emergency, always keep a set of jump leads in your vehicle too!.

Watch this video to help you understand how the cold affects your car battery:

Tyre Maintenance Throughout a UK Winter

When the roads start to become covered in ice (black ice being the worst) or when it snows, having well maintained tyres can be the difference between a controlled stop and losing control. Throughout winter, you should regularly check the tread and pressure of your tyres.

Whilst winter tyres are not compulsory in the UK, they can be an option worth considering for drivers regularly commuting throughout winter. They have a higher silica content preventing them from hardening in cold temperatures giving them a better grip on the road. Just remember to change them back when winter is over!

Watch this video to understand more:

Your Stopping Distance In Icy Weather

Icy weather throws a curveball at your stopping distance. It can be up to 10 times longer than on normal roads! This means that even if you apply the brakes at the same time as usual, your car will take much further to come to a complete stop.

For this reason, it’s crucial to drive cautiously, strictly adhere to speed limits, and start slowing down much earlier than usual whenever you suspect icy conditions.

Remember: Optimal brake function is essential in winter. We offer free brake checks to ensure your car is prepared for the season!

Why not watch this video to discover how to brake safely on ice in your car this winter:

Lights and Windscreen Protection in Winter

With snowfall, sun glare, darker evenings and fog to consider – good visibility is absolutely essential throughout winter. Before you set out on a journey, check the following:

• That all your lights are working (fog lights, sidelights, hazards – don’t forget to check your interior light too!)
• Your windscreen fluid is topped up and suitable for winter (i.e. it won’t freeze!)
• Visually inspect your wiper blades for splits and cracks, any damage will reduce their performance significantly.
• Your windscreen is properly de-iced before setting off.  Please don’t poor hot water directly onto a windscreen to clear ice

Autocare Tip! – Never use plain water as an alternative to windscreen fluid – it won’t clean as well and it can freeze overnight, blocking your fluid dispensers which if you can’t clear your windscreen at speed can make driving dangerous.

This video can further help:

Essential Winter Vehicle Equipment

In addition to the considerations above, you should keep the following essentials in your vehicle throughout winter:

• Hazard Triangle – This should ideally be on hand all year around and kept in your boot. When visibility is low throughout winter, these simple but effective reflective triangles give other drivers sufficient notice of your car’s breakdown.
• In-car charger for your smart phone – Most newer vehicles have USB A or C ports to charge electronic devices. In older vehicles, you will need to buy an adapter for your cigarette lighter and these can be purchased online and at most petrol stations.
• Ice Scraper and De-Icer – Using a spray in conjunction with your ice scraper will be more effective when clearing your windscreen of thick ice.
• Torch – If your battery dies, your lights will not work. A torch can help you alert other drivers as well as give you visibility in the darker nights. Ideally a windup torch is best as you won’t have to rely on batteries.
• First Aid Kit – Another essential that should be in your boot at all times.
• Tow Rope – Handy to have available but should only be a necessity if you live in a remote location.

Autocare Tip! – Never just scrape a tiny hole through the ice on your windscreen and drive away, it is extremely foolhardy and dangerous to other road users. Also the police will take a very dim view, so we recommend you ensure it is completely clear before moving off.

Professional Winter Vehicle Checks and Maintenance at Autocare Chepstow

With the temperature certainly dropping, is it time you brought your vehicle in for a winter service, some checks and/or some maintenance?

If you require any car maintenance, repairs or just helpful motoring advice in Chepstow, Newport, Monmouth or wider area this winter for your vehicle then please give one of our team a call on 01291 627 137.

For additional tips on driving safely in winter weather, check out our article ‘5 Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Weather‘