How to Prepare Your Car for Colder Weather

Ensuring your car is ready for winter can save you time, money, and headaches as temperatures drop. Winterising your vehicle is essential to keep it running safely and smoothly during the colder months. Here’s your guide to preparing for the season ahead.

1. Check Your Tyres

Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, which affects traction and fuel efficiency.

• Inspect Tread Depth: Use the “20p test” to ensure your tyres have sufficient tread for slippery roads.
• Switch to Winter Tyres: If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider investing in winter tyres for better grip.
• Check Tyre Pressure Regularly: Use a tyre pressure gauge and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For tyre safety tips, visit TyreSafe.

2. Top Up Fluids

Cold weather can impact your car’s fluids, so ensure they’re topped up and winter-ready.

• Antifreeze: Check your coolant levels and make sure the antifreeze-to-water ratio is correct (usually 50:50).
• Washer Fluid: Use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent it from freezing.
• Oil: Consider switching to a winter-grade oil if recommended by your manufacturer.

Learn more about proper fluid care at RAC Winter Car Maintenance.

3. Test Your Battery

Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, making it harder for your car to start.

• Inspect Connections: Make sure cables are clean and tightly connected.
• Check Voltage: A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
• Replace If Necessary: Most car batteries last 3-5 years, so consider replacing an older battery before winter hits.

4. Inspect Wipers and Lights

Winter often means rain, snow, and shorter days, so visibility is critical.

• Replace Wiper Blades: Wipers should leave your windshield streak-free. If not, replace them.
• Check Lights: Make sure all your lights are working and clean off dirt or ice to improve visibility.

For the best winter wiper blades, check out Autoglym.

5. Keep an Emergency Kit

Be prepared for unexpected breakdowns with a fully stocked emergency kit. Include:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Jump leads
• Blanket and warm clothing
• Torch with spare batteries
• First aid kit
• High-energy snacks and water

For a complete guide to emergency kits, visit Gov.UK’s Winter Travel Advice.

6. Protect Your Car’s Exterior

Road salt and winter weather can damage your car’s paint and undercarriage.

• Wax Your Car: Apply a protective wax layer to shield against salt and grime.
• Wash Regularly: Clean off salt to prevent rust, paying extra attention to the undercarriage.

Learn how to winter-proof your car’s exterior at Halfords Winter Care.

7. Review Your Insurance and Breakdown Cover

Make sure your insurance policy and breakdown cover includes winter-related emergencies.

Compare breakdown cover options at Compare the Market.

Stay Safe This Winter

Getting your car ready for the colder months doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these simple steps, you can keep your motor running smoothly and stay safe on the road.

If you’re thinking of upgrading to a car that’s more suited for winter, or if you’ve got your eye on a specific make or model, FindMy.Car’s got you covered. Our expert car sourcing services take the stress out of finding the perfect car.

Just tell us what you're after, and we’ll do the rest. We can source any car you want and make sure it’s all set for winter.

Whether you’re after a used car or something brand new, we’ll help you find the best options and even sort out finance if you need it. Get in touch today to see how we can help you find your next car, hassle-free.