Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter: Essential Checks for Safe Driving in England

28 Sept

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the colder weather conditions that affect driving in the UK. From icy roads to heavy rainfall, winter driving presents many challenges. Performing essential winter car checks can help prevent breakdowns and keep you safe on the road. If you're driving around Reading, Berkshire, Bracknell, Basingstoke, the M4 motorway, or Newbury, here are some top tips to get your car winter-ready.

1. Winter Tyre Check

Your tyres play a key role in keeping your vehicle secure on icy or wet roads. Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for safe winter driving:

Tyre Tread Depth: Ensure your tyre tread depth is at least 3mm, even though the UK legal minimum is 1.6mm. Better tread depth provides extra grip, especially when driving in wet or icy conditions.
Tyre Pressure: Cold weather affects tyre pressure, so check it regularly. Ensure tyres are inflated according to your vehicle’s manual.
Winter Tyres: If you frequently drive in rural areas or roads prone to ice, consider fitting winter tyres for added safety. Winter tyres are designed for temperatures below 7°C, offering better traction in snow and ice.

2. Car Battery Check

Car batteries are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. A faulty battery is one of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns in winter. Here’s how to ensure yours won’t let you down:

Battery Health: Have your battery checked if it’s older than three years. Cold weather strains the battery, making it harder to start the engine.
Clean Battery Terminals: Corrosion on battery terminals can affect performance. Clean the terminals and ensure connections are tight.
Charging: If you leave your car parked for long periods, use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged, particularly in freezing conditions.

3. Check Vehicle Fluids

Cold weather can impact your vehicle’s fluids, so it’s important to ensure they’re at the correct levels:

Antifreeze/Coolant: Check your coolant mixture and ensure there’s enough antifreeze to protect your engine. Antifreeze prevents the water in the radiator from freezing.
Windscreen Washer Fluid: Use a winter-grade washer fluid to stop it from freezing. In cold weather, frozen washer fluid can impair your visibility, putting you at risk while driving.
Oil Levels: Cold temperatures can make oil thicker, so it’s essential to check and top up your engine oil with the correct winter-grade oil for your vehicle.

4. Check Lights for Safe Winter Driving

During winter, you’ll use your lights more often due to shorter days and poor weather conditions. Clear visibility is vital for safe driving in fog, snow, or heavy rain:

Headlights and Taillights: Ensure all lights are fully operational. Replace any broken or dim bulbs and check the alignment of your headlights to avoid blinding other drivers.
Fog Lights: Fog is common during winter in the UK, so ensure your fog lights are functioning properly.
Clean Lights: Regularly clean your lights to remove dirt and grime, especially after driving on salted roads.

5. Windscreen and Wiper Blades

Visibility is crucial for safe winter driving, and your windscreen wipers play a vital role in maintaining that visibility during rain, sleet, or snow:

Wiper Blades: If your wipers are leaving streaks or not clearing the windscreen effectively, it’s time to replace them. New wiper blades ensure your screen stays clear in harsh weather.
De-icing Your Windscreen: Invest in a good quality de-icer and an ice scraper for frosty mornings. Keep them handy, especially if you’re parking outdoors.
Heating and Defrosting: Check that your heating and defrosting systems are working properly to avoid delays on icy mornings.

6. Brake and Suspension Check

Winter roads can be hazardous, especially when wet, icy, or snow-covered. Make sure your brakes and suspension are in top condition for winter driving:

Brake Inspection: If you notice squeaking, grinding, or a delay in stopping, get your brakes checked immediately. Efficient brakes are essential for navigating icy or wet roads safely.
Suspension Check: Driving over potholes, common in winter, can damage your suspension. Be alert to any strange noises or changes in how your vehicle handles.

7. Prepare a Winter Breakdown Kit

No one likes to think about breaking down, but it’s always better to be prepared, especially in winter. If you break down on the M4, or in Berkshire, Basingstoke, or Reading, a winter kit will keep you safe until help arrives:

Essential Items: Keep a blanket, high-visibility vest, torch, phone charger, and first aid kit in your car.
Tools: Carry a spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace, along with jump leads for a dead battery.
Emergency Provisions: Have bottled water and some non-perishable snacks, just in case you're waiting for roadside assistance during cold conditions.

Final Thoughts on Winter Vehicle Checks

Preparing your vehicle for winter driving in the UK is essential for safety and reliability. By following these winter car checks, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure your car is ready to handle cold weather, icy roads, and snow.

At Raf’s Breakdown Recovery, we provide professional and fast vehicle recovery services across Reading, Berkshire, Bracknell, Basingstoke, and the M4 motorway. Whether you're dealing with a breakdown or need roadside assistance, our expert team is here to help you stay safe and keep your vehicle moving through the winter months.