How to Check a Car for Winter: Safe Driving Preparation

As the nights draw in and temperatures plummet, winter driving can present a unique set of challenges. From icy roads to reduced visibility, the colder months significantly increase the risk of an accident or a breakdown. To ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle, knowing how to check a car for winter is vital. Preparation is the best way to safeguard yourself and other road users.

Why Get Your Vehicle Checked In Winter?

Winter conditions are tough on cars. According to studies, a road accident happens every hour in conditions like snow, ice, floods, fog, and darkness. Your vehicle is far more likely to suffer a breakdown during the winter, often due to low temperatures reducing your battery’s performance and increasing your risk of a flat battery.

Taking a proactive approach with a thorough winter check is the single best way to address these risks and give you peace of mind on the road. It ensures that crucial components are working as they should, helping you avoid the inconvenience and potential danger of getting stuck out in the cold!

Common Signs Your Vehicle Requires a Winter Check

While we recommend an annual vehicle winter check for all, there are certain tell-tale signs that your car is already struggling with the cold and urgently needs an inspection.

You may notice your car is losing grip on the road – an indication that your tyres may not be fit for the conditions.
If you have trouble getting your car to start, this is a common sign of a failing or flat battery, which is a frequent cause of winter breakdowns.
If streaks appear on your windscreen, or your lights aren’t providing correct visibility, your wiper blades, screen wash, or external lights may need urgent attention.
Engine overheating can signal an issue with your antifreeze/coolant levels – a vital component for preventing your engine cooling system from freezing in low temperatures.

How to Reduce the Chances of Breaking Down in Cold Weather

Reducing your risk of a winter breakdown involves a comprehensive check of your vehicle’s critical systems. As part of a professional winter check at Vital Vehicle Care, we inspect a number of essential areas to ensure your car is ready for anything the British winter can throw at it!

Your Battery Health

Low temperatures dramatically reduce a battery’s performance, making it a leading cause of winter breakdowns. This makes checking your battery health a top priority in cold weather.

Antifreeze & Coolant Levels

Inspecting the antifreeze/coolant levels is crucial to prevent your engine cooling system from freezing and causing major damage. This mixture ensures your engine runs smoothly and maintains its temperature correctly, even in the lowest winter temperatures.

Tyre Condition

The condition of your tyres must also be carefully reviewed, which includes inspecting the tread depth, pressure, and general wear and tear. Good tyres maintain better steering, braking, and grip on wet or icy roads.

Wiper Blades & Screen Washer

For optimum visibility in winter conditions, check that your wiper blades are effectively clearing obstructions. Also ensure that your screen washer fluid is topped up and working correctly to avoid streaks on the windscreen.

External Lights & Safety Features

Working external lights are essential for your visibility and for helping other drivers see you in dark, foggy, or snowy conditions. This inspection checks that your headlights are correctly aligned and functioning, alongside your brake lights and indicators. Your horn should also be checked, as it can warn other drivers of your presence.

There Is Always More

Beyond the vehicle itself, there are extra actions you can do to prepare for winter journeys.

Always check the weather using resources like the Met Office for warnings and advice on dangerous driving conditions. Checking for any potential diversions or collisions before you set off is also advised (we recommend Waze). You should also keep an emergency kit in your car, including a hazard warning triangle, de-icing equipment, warm clothes, and a fully charged mobile phone.

Quick Winter Driving Checks Before a Journey

In addition to your main winter inspection, there are simple, quick checks you should carry out before every journey in cold weather to confirm your car is safe and ready. A simple way to remember these is ‘FLOWER’:

Fuel: Ensure you have enough fuel to comfortably reach your destination, as running out in cold weather can be dangerous.
Lights: Quickly check that your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are all functioning correctly.
Oil: When the engine is cold, check the oil levels are correctly positioned between the two markers on the dipstick.
Water: Top up all necessary fluids, including lubricants, coolants, and most importantly, your screen washer fluid.
Electrics: Check the health of your battery, particularly as low temperatures can affect its performance.
Rubber (Tyres): Inspect your tyres for correct pressure, adequate tread depth, any uneven wear, and sidewall damage.

If you’re wondering how to check a car for winter and want the job done properly, why not book vehicle winter checks in Peterborough with us?

Here at Vital Vehicle Care, we have over 20 years of experience ensuring all makes and models are fit for the road. Our skilled mechanics cover all the crucial areas for car services in Peterborough from tyre conditions and battery health to antifreeze/coolant and light checks.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly, family-run business that offers competitive pricing and outstanding customer service. Don’t leave your winter preparation to the last minute; call us on 01733 788887 today to book your vehicle’s winter check!

Go Back