A winter car check can be the difference between plain sailing and a chilly turn for the worse. Here’s how to do it. 

Preparing your car for winter is essential, especially before a long journey. Icy roads, poor visibility, and extreme temperatures are just a few of the colder months’ trademarks, so ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready can help prevent accidents and breakdowns. HPI’s winter car checklist explains how to prepare your vehicle for the toughest seasons.  

Tyres

Adequate tread depth is crucial for gripping icy or wet roads. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but having at least 3mm in winter is safer. Consider switching to winter tyres, as they’re specifically designed for cold conditions.

Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop, and underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and can lead to poor handling. Ensure each tyre is inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications and check that the spare tyre is in good condition and properly inflated.

Battery

Check the battery’s level of charge, especially if it’s more than three years old. Batteries can lose capacity over time, and cold weather is particularly tough on them, while a weak battery can struggle to start the engine in low temperatures.

Corrosion can form on the terminals, too, especially in winter. Scrub off the rust for a secure and efficient connection.

Coolant and Antifreeze

Check and, if necessary, top up the engine coolant to the recommended level. Also, an antifreeze tester should be used to measure the strength of the solution, which should be at a 50:50 ratio of antifreeze to water.

Low coolant can lead to overheating or engine damage, so check the radiator, the hoses and the reservoir for signs of leaks.

Windscreen and Wipers

Check that the wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they leave streaks or show signs of wear. Winter wiper blades are worth a look because they perform better in icy conditions.

Top up your windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution to prevent freezing – and don’t just use water because it can freeze in the reservoir or the nozzles. Make sure the defroster and the heater are working, too.

Lights and Brakes

Functional lights are essential for dark or foggy roads, so it’s more than worthwhile to perform an all-around car check to ensure the headlights, brake lights, fog lights, and indicators are working properly— and wipe off any dirt while you’re at it. 

Test the brakes. If they feel weak, make a funny noise, or cause the car to pull to one side, get them checked by a professional.

Emergency Supplies

An emergency kit can make a big difference if there’s an unexpected breakdown or weather delay. Stash essentials such as a torch, a reflective warning triangle, a blanket, a first-aid kit, a tow rope, a warm high-visibility jacket, high-energy snacks, water, a flask of tea or coffee, and basic tools in the boot.

Keep a small snow shovel, an ice scraper, a tyre inflator and de-icer handy, along with jump leads or a portable battery booster – dead batteries are common in winter. A portable battery charger for your phone is also a good idea, as is a pair of sunglasses. It might get dark early, but the sun can be low and bright on clear winter days and reflect off snowy or slippery surfaces.

Fuel and Oil

Keep your fuel tank at least half-full to avoid a frozen fuel line. Low temperatures can blunt the range of electric vehicles, so if you have an EV, ensure it’s well-charged before you set off. 

Ensure your oil is topped up and, if you live in a particularly cold region, consider switching to a winter-grade oil, which has a lower viscosity and helps the engine to run smoothly when it’s cold.

Take the Test

A valid MOT is a year-round legal requirement for cars over three years old, but it’s at its most valuable when conditions take a turn for the worse.

A professional vehicle check with an emphasis on safety is arguably the single best way to prepare a car for winter, and if any advisories are flagged up on the MOT certificate, you’ll know exactly what to address. If your car’s MOT is due relatively soon, it may even be worth bringing it forward, ahead of the worst of the winter, for extra peace of mind.

If you would like to complete a hpi MOT history check, click here