Winter weather can pose challenges for all vehicles, and unexpected driving conditions can catch you off guard. To ensure your vehicle is ready for winter, proactive maintenance is crucial. Here's our top tips for you this winter:

Check your Oil Levels and Fuel:

Make sure your vehicle has an adequate oil level, as low oil can lead to breakdowns.

Don't gamble with a low fuel tank. Trying to make those last few miles last may leave you stranded in the cold, so fill up before your journey.

Test the Battery:

A flat or faulty battery is one of the most common reasons for breakdowns in cold weather.

Consider changing the battery every three years and be on the lookout for early warning signs like slow engine turnover.

Check your Tyre Condition:

Worn tyres are risky, especially in icy or snowy conditions because of increased stopping distances.

Check your tread depth regularly, they need to be at a minimum of 1.6mm by law, but it is recommended you change your tyres at 3mm to maintain safe stopping distances.

You could even consider investing in snow chains or winter tires for added safety.

Check your Brakes:

Make sure your brakes are in top condition, especially in winter. Get them checked if any unusual noises or sensations occur.

Your brake discs, callipers, and handbrake can also freeze up if left unused in cold conditions for a few days, so make sure to set off slowly.

Inspect Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid:

Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and cleaned regularly to maintain visibility. Don’t pull your wiper blades or turn them on if your windscreen is frozen over, as this can damage the rubber.

Remember to keep your washer fluid topped up too, as the spray hitting your windscreen dramatically increases during winter, due to the increase of mud and salt on the roads. It is both dangerous and illegal to have an empty screen washer reservoir in your vehicle!

Top up on Antifreeze:

Prevent engine coolant from freezing by topping up on antifreeze this winter. Follow the recommended coolant change schedule for your car for optimal performance.

Clean your Lights:

Dirty cars in winter demand extra attention. Wiping your lights regularly is a must, when driving on salty dirty roads you can lose up to 40% luminosity in just 20 miles.

Remember to wipe your number plates too, it’s easy to forget about but this could land you a hefty fine if they’re unreadable.

Schedule a Service:

Regular servicing is important all year-round but becomes more urgent in winter. Check your owner’s handbook for the manufacturer recommended service intervals. Plan ahead to make sure you’re booked in for a service this winter.

Understand Dashboard Warning Lights:

Familiarise yourself with the meaning of your dashboard warning lights, the manual should tell you what all the lights on your dashboard mean.

If any appear, get it looked at as soon as possible to avoid breakdowns this winter.

In addition to these checks, consider storing a winter emergency breakdown kit and a few basic tools in your vehicle this winter.