7 Step Checklist To Get Your Car Winter Ready

Car Maintenance, Winter Driving, Winter Health Check

Winter is drawing near which means cold weather, challenging road conditions and increased chances of mechanical failure. Is your car ready to tackle the worst that winter has to offer? It will be after you’ve used our handy 7 step checklist.

1.     Inspect Your Tyres

Tyres are the sole point of contact between your car and the road and are vital for safely navigating wet and cold winter road conditions.

Ensure your tyres exceed the legal tread limit and that they are adequately inflated. Cold weather causes your tyre pressure to drop by approximately 1 PSI for every 10 degrees, so it’s even more important to keep an eye on your tyre pressures regularly through the winter months. If you need help checking your tyres are safe we’ve put together this handy guide.

2.     Check Your Battery

Put simply, winter weather puts a greater strain on your battery than at any other time of year and starting your car in colder weather requires more current from the battery. To help avoid being left stranded or stuck on your driveway run a battery test to ensure your battery has enough power to beat the worse that winter can bring. You’ll also need to check the battery cables terminals are free of any damage or wear. If you’re unsure of what to look for or need a battery replacement we can help. Take advantage of a FREE battery check at our Poole site, and find quality low cost used battery replacements in our online store.

3.     Check Your Wipers And Wiper Fluid

You’ll be using your wipers more in the winter months to ensure your windscreen is free of ice, snow, mud and salt. Therefore, it’s vital that you have windscreen wipers that are up to the task. If your blades are showing signs of wear, we’d recommend getting them replaced. For reference, wiper blades are usually good for between 6 months - 1 year from fitting.

Keeping your wiper fluid topped up is a no brainer. If you are unable to clear windscreen debris due to a lack of fluid, you are making already difficult driving conditions even worse for yourself. Colder temperatures increase the risk of your wiper fluid freezing. Avoid this by opting for a fluid that can withstand low temperatures. This will be clearly mentioned on the container.

4.     Check Coolant Level

Check that your coolant is topped up to the maximum line ahead of the winter weather setting in. Go for a 50/50 coolant/antifreeze option to prevent your coolant freezing in your radiator as temperatures plummet.

5.     Oil Check And Change

Change your oil will to keep it fresh for winter. Cold temperatures makes oil thicker and more difficult to flow through your engine. Undertake a dipstick test for peace of mind that your oil level is topped up.

6.     Belt And Hose Check

Pop the bonnet and have a good look at the belts and hoses, checking for cracks, wear or damage. If you spot something is a miss get in touch with your local trusted garage or a vehicle expert.   

7.     Prep Your Winter Survival Kit

Unfortunately, no amount of TLC, careful driving and planning can prevent you being left stranded thanks to winter weather. Ensure you’ve packed in your boot plenty of snacks (you can never have too many snacks!), blankets, a jack, torch, first-aid kit, shovel and a phone charger. Some of these items will likely be in your car already but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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