Breaking down on the side of the road is never fun – but doing it cold, wet, or windy weather will really ruin your road trip.
Before the temperature drops, here are 9 things you should check to make sure your car is ready for whatever winter has to offer:
Oil
Check your oil levels and top up as needed without overfilling. When you’re done, make sure the cap’s on properly.
Tyres
You’ll need to check your tyre pressure, treads, and spare:
- Pressure: The right tyre pressure can be the difference between a smooth ride and skidding off the road. Check the inside of your driver’s door, inside your fuel cap, or in your driver’s manual for the right pressure for your car’s tyres.
- Treads: It’s illegal to drive with tyre treads shallower than 1.6mm. A tyre gauge can help you check your treads – but you can also grab a 20p coin to check. If the band around the coin is visible when you place it in the tread, it’s time to change your tyres.
- Spare: You never know when you’ll need your spare tyre. Make sure your spare is in good condition and you know where your jack is.
Windscreen
Your windscreen needs to be clear at all times. In fact, if you’re stopped by police you could end up with 3 points on your license and a fine.
Before you set off, make sure your windscreen’s clear and your screenwash is topped up with anti-freeze. It’s a good idea to keep an ice scraper in your car, ready for when you need it. Never use hot water to defrost your windscreen, as you may cause the glass to crack.
If you’re running your engine to warm your car up, don’t leave it unattended. If you do, you won’t be covered by your Swiftcover car insurance for any damage or theft.
Sunglasses
While we typically think of sunglasses as a summer accessory, the sun is lower in the winter and more likely to dazzle you. Keep a pair of shades in your car so they’re handy for sunny winter days.
Coolant
Coolant helps to maintain the temperature of your engine. In winter, your coolant will help stop your engine from freezing.
Before the temperatures drop – and throughout the winter – you'll need to keep an eye on your coolant levels. Top it up when the engine’s cool and your car’s parked on even ground.
Battery
Use a multimeter or ask your local garage for a battery health check. If can, make sure you’re driving your car periodically as this will help keep the battery charged. Don’t forget, your heating and alarm use battery charge – so using these won’t help top-up your battery.
Lights
With darker evenings, it’s important your lights are working as they need to. Make sure you check your headlights and indicators and grab a friend or family member to help check your brake lights.
Emergency pack
Carrying around a small kit of emergency supplies could help if you break down or come across another driver in trouble. Here’s a few suggestions of what you could include in your pack:
- A torch – wind-up is best, but if yours is battery operated, make sure to pack some spares.
- Blankets – one for each passenger, if you can spare them.
- A fully-charged power bank – to help you keep your mobile phone switched on.
- Warm clothes and comfy, closed shoes
- Shovel
- Hi-vis jackets
- Jump leads
- Warning triangles
- Bottled water
Insurance and breakdown cover
Finally, you’ll need to make sure your car insurance is up to date. If you’re insured with Swiftcover, you can check your benefits and make sure your details are correct in your online account.
If you don’t have breakdown insurance already, you can add it to your Swiftcover car insurance at your next renewal for 24-hour assistance, whatever the weather.