Winter Car Care: Essential Tips

Winter is tough on cars. Cold temperatures, road salt, and harsh conditions can cause problems if you're not prepared. Here's my complete guide to winter car care.

Car batteries are far more likely to fail in winter. Here's why:

Cold reduces capacity - At 0°C, battery capacity drops by 40% - Engine needs more power to start in cold weather - Old batteries struggle in these conditions

Warning signs: - Slow cranking when starting - Dim lights when engine off - Battery warning light - Battery is 5+ years old

What to do: - Get battery tested (I do this free) - Clean terminals if corroded (white/blue crusty stuff) - Make sure it's securely mounted - Consider replacement if 5+ years old

Most batteries fail with no warning on the coldest day of winter - often when you most need your car!

Antifreeze isn't just about preventing your engine from freezing - it also:

• ▸Prevents corrosion in the cooling system
• ▸Lubricates the water pump
• ▸Raises boiling point in summer

Check concentration: - Should protect to at least -20°C (our winters) - Test with antifreeze tester (£5 from motor factors) - Top up or replace if weak

Warning signs of problems: - Sweet smell from engine - White smoke from exhaust - Temperature gauge running hot or cold - Coolant loss

Don't mix coolant types - they can react and turn to jelly! If unsure, drain and refill with fresh.

Tyres are your only contact with the road. In winter, they're even more critical.

Check tread depth: - Legal minimum is 1.6mm - For winter, aim for 3mm+ minimum - Less tread = longer stopping distances on wet/icy roads

Check pressure: - Cold weather reduces tyre pressure - Under-inflated tyres = worse grip and more fuel used - Check weekly in winter

Consider winter tyres? - Better grip below 7°C - Dramatically shorter stopping distances on ice/snow - Worth it if you live in rural areas or hills - Can swap back to summer tyres in April

Even good summer tyres struggle in snow. Winter tyres are made from softer rubber that stays flexible in cold.

Winter means more driving in the dark. Make sure you can see and be seen:

Check all lights: - Headlights (dipped and full beam) - Indicators - Brake lights - Rear lights - Front and rear fog lights (only use in fog/heavy snow!)

Keep them clean: - Road spray and salt reduce light output by 50%+ - Clean lights when you fill up - A torch is worth having in the car

Screenwash: - Use proper winter screenwash - Don't use washing-up liquid (damages pump and freeze in winter) - Concentration should protect to at least -15°C - Top up weekly - you'll use more in winter

Wipers: - Replace if streaky or juddering - Clear all rubber of ice before using (or risk tearing them) - Never use wipers on frozen screen - you'll strip the rubber

Demisting: - Keep interior clean (dirt makes misting worse) - Use air-con if you have it - even in winter - Clear all condensation before setting off

De-icing: - Use proper de-icer or warm (not boiling!) water - Never hot water - can crack screen - Start engine and use heater while you clear screen - Don't drive with a small 'porthole' cleared - it's illegal

Consider thinner oil in winter - 5W-30 flows better in cold than 10W-40 - Helps cold starts and reduces wear - Check handbook for permitted grades

Check level regularly - Engines use more oil in cold weather - Check monthly (more if it's using oil)

In winter you'll use more screenwash than any other time. Make sure you're prepared:

Screenwash concentrate: - Buy proper winter screenwash rated to -15°C - Don't dilute too much or it'll freeze - Keep a spare bottle in the car - A frozen washer system is dangerous and inconvenient

Wiper blades: - Good condition is essential - Replace if leaving streaks or juddering - Clear all ice and snow before using - Lift wipers away from screen overnight if heavy frost/snow expected

Belts and hoses: - Cold weather can expose weak spots - Check for cracks, splits, or loose connections - Rubber perishes faster in winter conditions

Brake fluid: - Should be changed every 2-3 years - Absorbs moisture over time - Water in brake fluid can freeze, causing brake problems

Keep these in your car:

Always: - Ice scraper and de-icer - Jump leads or jump pack - Warning triangle - Hi-viz vest - Torch - First aid kit - Phone charger

For longer journeys: - Blanket or warm coat - Bottled water - Snacks - Shovel (if rural/hilly areas) - Old carpet or cat litter (for grip if stuck)

Door locks: - Can freeze in cold weather - De-icer spray in keyhole can help - WD-40 in lock prevents freezing

Door seals: - Can freeze to car body - Rub with talcum powder to prevent sticking - Don't force frozen doors - you'll damage seals

Fuel cap: - Can also freeze - Keep de-icer spray handy

Once you're prepared, drive appropriately:

• ▸Allow longer journey times
• ▸Increase stopping distances (x10 on ice!)
• ▸Gentle acceleration and braking
• ▸Higher gear = less wheelspin
• ▸Fog lights ONLY in fog/heavy snow (illegal otherwise)
• ▸Keep fuel tank at least quarter full (prevents fuel line freezing)

For £35, I'll check:

• ▸Battery health and charge
• ▸Antifreeze concentration
• ▸All lights working
• ▸Wiper condition
• ▸Tyre tread and pressures
• ▸Brake condition
• ▸Heater and demister operation

Plus I'll top up screenwash and give advice on anything that needs attention.

A bit of preparation prevents:

• ▸Being stranded in cold weather
• ▸Expensive breakdown callouts
• ▸Dangerous driving conditions
• ▸Preventable damage to your car

Book a winter check in October/November before the first freeze. It's much better than being stranded on a cold morning when you're late for work!

Stay safe out there this winter.