Cars don’t like the cold, so it’s well worth keeping on top of your car maintenance as the winter sets in. Not only will giving your vehicle some pre-emptive TLC help save you money in the long run, but – more importantly – it will also help you stay safe during the most treacherous time for driving.
Your tyres
It’s crucially important to ensure your tyres are in good condition during winter, as wet and icy roads can cause skidding.
Be sure your tyre tread is good enough for winter driving. The legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but for winter driving 3mm is recommended. It's wise not to let the tread fall below 2mm.
You can measure tread with a tyre gauge, which you should be able to pick up from any good car accessories store. In addition, many modern tyres have wear indicators, which look like little blocks in the grooves of the tyre. When the surround tread is level or close to these blocks, it’s time for a new tyre.
Be sure to have the tyres pumped up to the right pressure. This is advisable at all times, as your car will be less fuel efficient if they’re not at the right level. However, for safety’s sake, be doubly diligent during the winter months. It is a myth that one should reduce the tyre pressure for winter driving.
Read our full article concerning tyre safety tips – handy not just during winter, but all-year round.
Your windscreen
Be sure your windscreen is clean inside and out, as the low sun during winter can cause dazzle.
If you’re still at home and your windows are icy, then don’t pour boiling water on them to clear them. Shifting from one extreme temperature to the other could cause the glass to crack. Warm or even tepid water will be fine. In general, it’s a good idea to keep de-icer and a scraper in the car during the winter months.
Be careful not to activate the wipers when the windscreen’s icy either. If the wipers are frozen to the screen, then you might rip the blades or mangle the wiper arms, or even damage the wipers’ motor. For this reason, when you park up for the night, also make sure that the wipers are off and in the parked position.
Be sure to have the correct windscreen washer fluid as well. This will contain an additive to prevent it from freezing but don’t use engine antifreeze - your paintwork won’t like it.
Also, if your car is covered in snow, make sure you clear it off the roof as well as the windows. You don’t want it sliding onto the windscreen while you’re driving, obscuring your view.
Other maintenance tips
- Ensuring your brakes work properly is another must when it’s cold and wet. Check that you’ve got sufficient brake fluid in there.
- Check that your headlights, brake lights and fog lights are all in good working order. If visibility is low, or other drivers have misted windows, you want to make absolutely sure that you can be seen.
- Older batteries can play up when it’s cold. Read our guide to bump and jump starting your car if your battery goes flat.
Finally, once your tyres and windscreens are in tip top condition, read our tips for driving safely during winter.
Please watch our 30-second guide for more information.
