Winter brings unique challenges for drivers, from icy roads to reduced visibility and freezing temperatures. Preparing your vehicle for the colder months helps prevent breakdowns, reduces wear and tear, and, most importantly, keeps you safe on the road. While summer driving requires little in terms of maintenance, winter calls for a more proactive approach. This guide covers the essential winter car maintenance steps you need to know. Looking for a quicker solution, check out our car subscription page and drive away with one of our wide range of latest model, low mileage and well maintained cars today!
Table of Contents:
- Battery Care and Maintenance in Cold Weather
- Choosing the Right Screen Wash for Winter
- The Importance of Winter Tyres and Tread Depth
- Understanding Winter Stopping Distances
- Get Your Car Serviced for Winter Readiness
- How Winter Affects Different Vehicle Types
- Keeping Your Car Clean During Winter
- Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips
- Stocking Your Vehicle for Winter Emergencies
Battery Care and Maintenance in Cold Weather
Winter can be tough on your car battery. As temperatures drop, the battery’s efficiency decreases due to slower chemical reactions within it. Batteries over three years old are especially susceptible to winter wear and tear, as they already operate at a lower capacity.
How to Check Your Battery:
- Visual Inspection: Inspect battery terminals for any signs of corrosion and clean them if necessary. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging efficiently.
- Battery Load Test: This test, typically done by a professional, checks the battery’s charge and ability to start the engine. If the performance is poor, consider replacing it.
Top Tip: If your car is struggling to start on cold mornings or your battery is ageing, it’s wise to replace it before winter fully sets in. For more advice on battery care, see this Kwik Fit guide.
Choosing the Right Screen Wash for Winter
Winter weather often means reduced visibility due to rain, snow, and grit on the roads. Winter screen wash is formulated to prevent freezing, keeping your windscreen clear of dirt and ice.
Selecting Winter Screen Wash:
- Extreme Cold Formulation: Use a screen wash rated for low temperatures, ideally down to -10°C or lower. This helps prevent the liquid from freezing in the reservoir and washer jets.
- Concentrated vs. Ready-Mixed: A concentrated winter screen wash can be more economical, allowing you to dilute it for varying weather conditions.
Top Tip: Keep your screen wash reservoir topped up during winter, as you’ll likely use more to combat road grime and grit. Winter-ready options like Jennychem’s screen wash are excellent choices.
The Importance of Winter Tyres and Tread Depth
Winter tyres provide better traction on icy and snowy roads, improving handling and safety. The tread depth requirements differ depending on your vehicle type, so knowing these distinctions helps you stay compliant and safe.
Tyre Tread Depth:
- Cars and Light Vehicles: In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm, but for safer winter driving, a tread depth of at least 3mm is recommended to improve grip and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
- Vans and Trucks: For larger vehicles like vans and trucks, the legal minimum tread depth is 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, deeper treads improve performance on icy roads and ensure greater stability under load.
Winter Tyres vs. All-Season Tyres: All-season tyres may suffice for mild UK winters, but winter tyres are ideal for regular driving in snowy or icy conditions.
Top Tip: Regularly check your tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure they meet winter safety standards. For tyre maintenance advice, check out the RAC’s tyre guide.
Understanding Winter Stopping Distances
Winter roads can significantly increase stopping distances, making it important to adjust your driving style. Even light snow or rain can make it harder to stop, while ice increases the risk further.
How to Adjust for Winter Roads:
- Increase Following Distance: Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. The AA advises allowing up to ten times the usual distance in icy conditions.
- Use Lower Gears: When going downhill or coming to a stop, use lower gears to help slow the car naturally, minimising the risk of skidding.
Top Tip: For a full breakdown of stopping distances in winter, the AA’s stopping distances guide is a valuable resource.
Get Your Car Serviced for Winter Readiness
Cold weather can strain your vehicle’s systems, making a winter service a good investment to ensure reliable performance. A service typically includes essential checks on fluids, heating, and defrosting systems to keep your car safe in colder months.
Essential Winter Service Checks:
- Antifreeze and Coolant Levels: Antifreeze prevents your engine coolant from freezing, ensuring the cooling system continues functioning effectively. A winter service will top up or adjust the antifreeze concentration to suit colder conditions.
- Engine Oil Checks: UK winters don’t usually require a change to lower viscosity oil, but a service will ensure oil levels are sufficient and at the recommended grade for winter performance.
- Heating and Defrosting Systems: A winter service checks your car’s heater and defroster to ensure they’re working efficiently. A properly functioning defroster helps clear your windows quickly on frosty mornings, enhancing visibility.
Top Tip: Book a winter service before the season starts to address any issues early. A well-prepared vehicle is far less likely to encounter winter-related issues.
How Winter Affects Different Vehicle Types
Winter affects vehicles in unique ways depending on their powertrain and design. Here’s a high-level overview:
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles:
- Cold Starts: Cold weather can make it harder to start petrol and diesel engines, especially in older vehicles. Maintaining a fully charged battery helps with smoother starts.
- Diesel Fuel Gelling: Although uncommon in the UK, very low temperatures can cause diesel fuel to thicken. Most modern vehicles, however, are equipped to handle UK winter temperatures.
Hybrid Vehicles:
- Battery Efficiency: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, leading to increased reliance on the petrol or diesel engine in hybrids, especially in plug-in models.
- Fuel Economy Impact: Hybrids may see a drop in fuel economy in winter, as they rely more on the combustion engine when battery output drops.
Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Reduced Range: EVs experience range reductions in cold weather as batteries become less efficient and heating demands increase. Preconditioning the car (warming it while it’s plugged in) helps preserve battery range.
- Slower Charging: Charging times may increase slightly in winter, as the battery needs to warm up before it can charge efficiently.
Cars vs. Vans and Pickups:
- Handling Differences: Heavier vehicles, like vans and pickups, generally have better traction on snowy roads but longer braking distances, especially when loaded.
- Visibility and Heating: Larger vehicles can take longer to heat and clear windows, making effective defrosters essential for visibility.
Top Tip: Be aware of your vehicle’s specific needs and adjust your winter maintenance routine accordingly.
Keeping Your Car Clean During Winter
Keeping your car clean in winter isn’t just about appearance—it also improves safety and helps maintain your vehicle. Winter driving exposes your car to road salt, grit, and grime, which can damage your car’s exterior and impact visibility.
Protecting Your Vehicle:
- Underbody Care: Road salt is highly corrosive and can lead to rust on your car’s undercarriage. Regularly rinsing the underside of your car during winter helps prevent this long-term damage.
- Waxing for Winter Protection: Applying a coat of wax before winter provides a protective barrier against grit, road debris, and snow, helping to preserve your car’s paintwork through the season.
Clearing Frost and Snow:
- Thorough Frost Removal: Make sure to completely clear frost from your windscreen and all windows before driving. Partial clearing may seem quicker, but it severely limits your field of vision and can lead to accidents.
- Snow Removal from Roof and Lights: If snow is left on the roof, it can slide onto the windscreen when you brake, obscuring visibility. Clear all snow from your vehicle, especially from the roof and lights, to prevent snow from obstructing visibility or impairing other drivers.
Top Tip: Regular car washes, even in winter, keep your vehicle free from damaging salt and debris. Combined with thorough snow and frost removal, it’s an essential step for both safety and vehicle maintenance.
Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter driving requires adjustments to ensure safety on the road. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Slow Down: Reduced visibility and slippery roads mean lower speeds are safer in winter.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Smooth steering, braking, and acceleration help prevent skidding.
- Check the Forecast: Always review weather conditions before you set out, and plan extra travel time or delay if necessary.
Stocking Your Vehicle for Winter Emergencies
Even the most prepared drivers can get caught in severe winter weather. Packing an emergency kit ensures you’re ready for any situation.
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Blanket and warm clothing
- Torch with spare batteries
- Jump leads
- First aid kit
- Shovel (for snow)
- Non-perishable snacks and water
Top Tip: Keep your phone fully charged before setting off and consider carrying a portable charger for emergencies.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, winter driving can be much safer and less stressful. From checking your battery and tyres to stocking an emergency kit, these winter maintenance tips help you stay ready for anything. Take the time to service your vehicle and ensure its winter-ready so you can navigate the season confidently. For more in-depth advice, consult resources from the RAC, AA, and Kwik Fit.
Alternatively, you could be looking to sell your car, buy a used car, rent a car for a month or even lease a car on a longer term agreement. Whatever your requirement AMT Auto has a vehicle solution for everyone!