How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving in the UK

Winter in the UK can be beautiful — frosty mornings, festive lights, and the occasional dusting of snow. But for drivers, it also brings a host of challenges: icy roads, reduced visibility, and bitterly cold mornings where your car seems as reluctant to get going as you are.

To keep you safe and your vehicle in good shape during the colder months, here’s a practical guide to preparing your car for winter driving in the UK.

1. Check Your Tyres

Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, so they need to be up to the task.

• Tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for winter it’s recommended to have at least 3mm for better grip on icy or wet roads.

  
  

• Tyre pressure: Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. Check it regularly and top up if needed.

  
  

• Winter tyres: If you live in a rural or hilly area where snow and ice are more common, winter tyres or all-season tyres can make a big difference in grip and safety.

2. Top Up Your Fluids

Fluids are vital to keeping your car running smoothly — especially in cold weather.

• Antifreeze: Make sure your coolant has the correct mix of antifreeze to prevent the engine from freezing. Most garages can check this for you.

  
  

• Screenwash: Use a screenwash with a winter formula that won’t freeze in sub-zero temperatures. Keep an extra bottle in the boot just in case.

  
  

• Oil: Cold weather can thicken oil, so check levels and top up with the correct grade recommended in your car’s manual.

3. Inspect Your Battery

Batteries are more likely to fail in winter — especially if they’re more than five years old.

• If you’re having trouble starting your car, or the lights are dim, get the battery tested at a garage or with a home tester.

  
  

• Consider carrying jump leads or even a portable jump starter — it can save your day on a freezing morning.

4. Lights & Visibility

Shorter days and gloomy weather mean you’ll rely on your lights more than ever.

• Check all exterior lights regularly — headlamps, indicators, brake lights, and fog lights.

  
  

• Clean your lights to ensure maximum brightness.

  
  

• Replace worn wiper blades and ensure your windscreen is free of chips or cracks.

5. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

In case you get stuck or break down, a winter kit can be a real lifesaver. Include:

• Ice scraper and de-icer

  
  

• Warm blanket or coat

  
  

• Torch with spare batteries

  
  

• Snacks and bottled water

  
  

• Phone charger or power bank

  
  

• Jump leads

  
  

• Shovel (if you’re in a snowy area)

  
  

• High-visibility jacket

6. Keep an Eye on the Forecast

Weather in the UK can change quickly. Before you travel:

• Check the Met Office for weather and road conditions.

  
  

• Give yourself extra time — rushing in icy conditions is a recipe for disaster.

  
  

• Let someone know your route if you're heading somewhere remote.

7. Drive Smart, Drive Safe

Even the best-prepared car needs a careful driver behind the wheel. In winter, remember to:

• Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.

  
  

• Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead.

  
  

• Use low gears on slippery or snowy roads.

  
  

• Avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Final Thoughts

A little preparation can go a long way toward making winter driving in the UK safer and less stressful. Don’t wait until you’re scraping ice off the windscreen in the dark — take a few simple steps now to get your car winter-ready, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Stay safe, and happy driving!