Winter Preparation for Vehicles

The battery

Cold reduces battery capacity while the engine requires more energy to turn over, which is why marginal batteries fail on the first cold morning.

Batteries beyond around five years are suspect. Most garages test them free, which takes minutes.

Short journeys do not fully recharge a battery, so a car used only for brief trips is more vulnerable regardless of battery age.

Clean and tighten the terminals, and check for corrosion.

Tyres

Tread depth matters most in the wet and cold, where braking distances lengthen considerably.

Cold air reduces pressure, so check more frequently in winter.

Winter or all-season tyres use compounds that stay flexible below around seven degrees, improving grip substantially. They are mandatory in some jurisdictions in winter months.

Fluids

Screen wash concentrate rated for low temperatures. Water alone freezes in the reservoir and lines, and can crack them.

Coolant concentration, which protects against freezing as well as boiling. A garage can test it.

Wiper blades, which perish and smear, and which tear if used to free a frozen windscreen.

Visibility and lights

Clean the inside of the glass, which reduces misting.

Check all bulbs, including brake lights and fog lights, which are used far more in winter.

Clear snow from the entire vehicle including the roof and lights, not just a patch of windscreen.

What to carry

Scraper and de-icer, a torch, a warm layer and gloves, a high-visibility vest, and a phone charger.

For rural or long journeys: a blanket, water, food, and a small shovel.

A jump pack, which is more useful than cables since it requires no second vehicle.

Driving adjustments

Longer following distances and gentler inputs, since grip is reduced even on clear roads.