Winter Car Checklist for UK Drivers

Cold, wet and dark mornings are harder on cars and drivers. A short check in November is cheaper than a breakdown in January. Here is a simple checklist you can work through in about half an hour.

1. Tyres

Check the tread depth and the pressure. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but grip in the wet and in cold weather is better with more. Pressures drop in cold weather, so check them with the tyres cold. See tyre tread depth and the 20p test and tyre pressure and fuel economy.

2. Battery

Cold weather puts more strain on a battery that is already weak. If your engine is slow to turn over, or the battery is more than a few years old, get it tested. Many garages do this quickly. See car battery problems in cold weather.

3. Lights

Walk around the car with the lights on and check every bulb: headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights. Wipe the lenses clean. Dark afternoons mean you will use them far more.

4. Wipers and screenwash

Worn wiper blades smear in winter. Replace them if they leave streaks. Fill the screenwash reservoir with a screenwash that is rated for low temperatures, as plain water can freeze.

5. Fluids

Check the engine oil level, and check that the coolant is at the right level and the mixture protects against frost. Your handbook shows the correct specification.

6. Windows and mirrors

Clean the inside of the glass as well as the outside. A film on the inside causes glare from low sun and mists up more easily.

7. Heating and demisting

Test the heater, the rear screen heater and the air conditioning. Air conditioning dries the air and helps clear misted windows quickly, even in winter.

8. Brakes

Listen for squealing or grinding, and notice if the pedal feels soft. If in doubt, have them checked. Wet roads leave less margin for weak brakes.

9. Fuel

Do not let the tank run very low in winter. If you get stuck in traffic or a delay, you may need to keep the heater running. A fuller tank also helps if a trip takes longer than planned. Fill where it is cheapest, by comparing prices near you.

10. Emergency kit

Keep a small kit in the boot. See what to keep in your car in winter.

A note on fuel economy

Cold weather raises fuel use, because engines take longer to warm up and heaters, demisters and lights add load. You cannot avoid all of it, but you can limit it. See why cold weather hurts fuel economy and cold starts, short trips and idling.

Before you set off each morning

Clear all the glass properly, check mirrors and lights, and allow a few extra minutes. Our guide on how to de-ice a windscreen safely covers the safe way to do it.