Winter Car Maintenance Checklist

Top tips to help you prepare your car for any snaps of cold weather that come our way this winter!

1. Check Your Tyres

It's important to keep a close eye on your tyres during the colder months. Start by checking the tread depth to ensure it meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm, though aiming for 3mm is recommended for better grip in icy conditions.

In Hampshire, we don’t often experience a lot of snow, but it can get very icy. Our main roads are usually gritted if we have a spell of cold weather, so winter tyres likely won’t be necessary, however you travel on roads that are not gritted, you may like to be better prepared, so switching to winter tyres should give you some peace of mind as they’re specially designed to improve traction on snow and ice.

Also, don’t forget that cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop, so it’s a good idea to check and adjust your tyre pressure regularly to make sure it’s in line with the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

2. Test Your Battery

As the weather gets colder, your car’s battery can feel the strain, so it’s a good idea to get it tested to make sure it’s in top condition. While you're at it, take a moment to check the battery terminals for any corrosion—cleaning them up will help maintain a strong connection. If your battery is showing signs of weakness, consider charging it up or even replacing it to avoid any unexpected breakdowns down the road.

Have an electric vehicle?

When it comes to electric vehicles, battery performance can be significantly affected by extreme temperatures. Just like traditional car batteries, EV batteries operate best within an optimal temperature range.

In cold weather, freezing temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions in the battery, which impacts its ability to charge and release energy efficiently. This reduction in efficiency can lead to a decreased driving range, meaning you may need to plan for more frequent charging during winter months.

It’s also important to note that in extremely cold conditions, it may take longer to charge your EV, so it's wise to consider this when planning your journeys.

3. Top-Up Anti-freeze

Yes cars do still need anti-freeze! It will prevent your cars cooling system from turning to ice. Make sure your engine is cool before opening the coolant reservoir cap. Check the level against the "Min" mark. If needed, add antifreeze until it reaches the max level. If you're using concentrated antifreeze, be sure to dilute it with distilled water, following the manufacturer’s recommended ratio (typically 50:50).

Pour the coolant in slowly to avoid overfilling, and once done, briefly run the engine to allow any trapped air to escape and ensure optimal circulation.

4. Check Windscreen Wipers and Top Up Screen Wash

When checking your wiper blades, look closely at the rubber edges for any signs of cracking, splitting, or uneven wear. Run your fingers along the blade to feel for rough patches or stiffness, which can reduce their effectiveness. If the blades leave streaks on your windshield, skip over areas, or make unusual noises while in use, it’s a clear sign they may have degraded and need replacing. Regularly inspecting your wipers ensures optimal visibility, especially in winter weather conditions.

To check the level of your windscreen washer bottle, open the bonnet and locate the washer fluid reservoir. It usually has a transparent container with a cap labelled with a windscreen icon. Some reservoirs have a built-in level indicator, while others may require you to open the cap and visually inspect the fluid level. If it’s low, top it up with the appropriate washer fluid.

Top Tip! Ensure your washer fluid contains antifreeze to prevent it from freezing in the reservoir.

5. Inspect Your Lights

When was the last time you checked all your lights work? Check that your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are all functioning properly—this is crucial for your safety, especially in poor visibility conditions.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean your light lenses. Dirt, fog, or snow can dull their brightness, so keeping them clean ensures you get the best visibility when driving through foggy or snowy weather.

6. Stock Up On Emergency Supplies

Finally, it’s always a good idea to stock up on some emergency supplies to stay prepared for any unexpected situations during winter driving.

Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with essentials like a scraper, de-icer, blankets, a torch, a phone charger, and some snacks. These items can make a big difference if you get stranded or stuck in bad weather.

Also, be sure to keep your fuel topped up to avoid running low in case of delays or emergencies, ensuring you're ready for anything that comes your way.

Book Your Winter-Ready Service at Foster & Heanes

Don’t leave your winter car maintenance to chance. At Foster & Heanes, we provide comprehensive winter checks to ensure your vehicle is safe and prepared for the colder months.

Our expert team will inspect your tyres, battery, antifreeze levels, and more to give you peace of mind. Call us today to book your winter service -  01252 615657.

Prepare your car for the challenges of winter with Foster & Heanes—your trusted local garage. Stay safe, stay prepared!