← All guides

On the road , Maintenance and tyres , Safety and breakdowns · Updated 2026-10-15

Preparing your car for winter

Cold weather exposes weak points in a car: a tired battery, worn tyres, poor visibility. A little preparation before the first frost makes winter driving safer and avoids breakdowns at the worst moment.

Battery

Low temperatures reduce battery capacity while the engine needs more power to start. A battery that is several years old or has been slow to start the car is the most likely to fail. Have it tested before winter, keep the terminals clean and tight, and replace it if the test shows it is weak. Short trips do not recharge the battery well, so an occasional longer drive helps.

Tyres

• Fit winter tyres, or all-season tyres designed for cold conditions, once temperatures stay low.
• Check tread depth. Winter tyres need more tread than summer tyres to work well in snow and slush.
• Check pressure regularly, because it drops as the air gets colder.
• If you may need chains, check that they fit your wheels and practise fitting them once at home.

Fluids

• Check that the coolant has enough antifreeze for the lowest temperatures you expect.
• Fill the washer reservoir with winter washer fluid that will not freeze.
• Check the engine oil level and use the grade the manufacturer recommends for cold starts.
• Diesel cars may need winter-grade fuel or additives in very cold regions; check with the fuel station or your workshop.

Wipers, glass and lights

Replace wiper blades that smear or chatter. Keep the windscreen clean inside and outside, as dirt causes glare in low sun and at night. Check that every light works, and that the headlights are clean and correctly aimed. Make sure the heater, demister and rear window heating work properly.

Emergency kit

• Warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit and a charged phone with a car charger.
• Torch with spare batteries, jump leads and a tow rope.
• Ice scraper, snow brush and a small shovel.
• Warm clothing or a blanket, gloves, water and some food.
• Something for traction such as a mat or sand if you get stuck.

Parking and daily habits

If possible, park in a garage or sheltered place. Clear all snow and ice from the whole car, including the roof and lights, before driving, not only a small patch of the windscreen. Do not pour hot water on a frozen windscreen, as it can crack. Keep the fuel tank at least half full, which reduces condensation and gives you a reserve if you are stuck in traffic. Drive gently and leave much more distance between you and the car in front.

Safety Tyres Winter