Winter conditions can put extra strain on your vehicle, increasing the risk of breakdowns caused by cold temperatures, poor road conditions, and increased battery usage. Preparing your car properly before setting off can help reduce the chances of unexpected problems during colder months.
For more vehicle maintenance advice, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
1. Plan ahead before long journeys
Preparing properly before travelling is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a winter breakdown.
Before setting off, check weather forecasts, road conditions, fuel levels, and your vehicle warning lights. Winter driving conditions can change quickly, especially during periods of snow, ice, or heavy rain.
It’s also sensible to carry a few essentials in your vehicle during winter, including:
- A phone charger
- Warm clothing or a blanket
- De-icer and an ice scraper
- Snacks and drinking water
- A torch
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2. Keep your fuel tank topped up
Cold weather and heavy traffic can increase fuel consumption, particularly during stop-start driving conditions.
Keeping your fuel tank reasonably full can help prevent unnecessary stress if you become delayed in traffic or experience poor weather conditions. It also reduces the likelihood of condensation building up inside the fuel tank during colder temperatures.
3. Check essential vehicle fluids
Winter conditions can place additional pressure on your vehicle’s engine and cooling system.
Before long journeys, check important fluid levels including:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Antifreeze
- Windscreen washer fluid
Using the correct antifreeze mixture helps prevent freezing and protects the engine during extremely cold weather.
4. Inspect tyres and general condition
Regular visual inspections can help spot small problems before they become larger and more expensive repairs.
Check your tyres regularly for tread depth, damage, and correct tyre pressures. Also inspect your windscreen wipers, lights, and battery condition where possible.
Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance significantly, especially on older vehicles.
Be prepared for winter driving
Routine maintenance and regular checks can help improve reliability and reduce the likelihood of winter breakdowns.
If your vehicle is becoming expensive to maintain or repair, you can also value your car with Jamjar quickly online.