22/01/2026
Winter’s properly here and your motor’s crying out for a bit of TLC before the next proper freeze!
Frosty mornings, black ice, gritting lorries chucking salt about – it all gives your car a right hammering. But a few quick checks can keep you sorted and dodge a breakdown or a fine. Here’s the proper British winter car prep list:
Tyres – Check pressure weekly (cold weather drops it sharpish). Legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, but aim for 3mm+ in winter for better grip on icy and wet roads. Winter tyres are brilliant if you’re in the colder spots.
Battery – Cold murders flat batteries. If yours is 4–5 years old, get it tested (AA or RAC do it quick). Clean the terminals and maybe pop on a trickle charger if the car sits on the drive loads.
Antifreeze/Coolant – Top it up and check the strength (garage or a cheap tester sorts it). Wrong mix and your engine block could crack when it freezes – absolute nightmare!
Screenwash – Switch to proper winter-grade with de-icer so the bottle doesn’t freeze solid. Keep it topped right up – you’ll be blasting the screen non-stop.
Wipers, lights & number plate – Chuck out knackered blades (they smear like mad when it’s freezing). Make sure all lights work and your plate’s clean and readable – grit and muck hide it fast.
Emergency kit in the boot – Ice scraper + de-icer (absolute must!), hi-vis vest, torch, warm blanket/coat, jump leads, snacks & water, phone charger, warning triangle. Maybe a little shovel if you’re rural. RAC/AA bang on about this lot.
Fuel – Keep her at least half full. Stops condensation freezing in the tank and gives you extra range if traffic’s mental or you get held up.
Big one: Clear ALL ice & frost off properly – windows, mirrors, lights, bonnet – everything! It’s the law (Highway Code says clear view + no danger to others). Just doing a little porthole on the windscreen can land you in bother for careless driving. Don’t be that numpty!
Drive sensibly out there – double your normal stopping distance on ice, ease off the gas, gentle on brakes, and give folk loads more space. No heroics.
