Winter Car Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before the Cold Sets In

By Salek Tyre & Mechanic · Ashford, TW15

Cold weather, wet roads and reduced daylight put more demand on every part of your car. Most winter breakdowns and accidents are preventable — here are 10 checks to work through before October temperatures arrive, from your local garage on Feltham Road in Ashford TW15.

1. Check your tyre tread depth — especially before winter

Tyre grip in the wet and cold degrades significantly as tread depth falls. The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm, but tyre safety experts recommend a minimum of 3mm heading into winter. Wet braking distances increase sharply below 3mm — on a cold, wet Ashford road this matters more than in the height of summer.

Use the 20p coin test on all four tyres. If you're on 2mm or less, book new tyres before the weather turns. See our full guide: Tyre tread depth UK: legal limits & how to check.

2. Check your tyre pressures

Tyre pressure drops by approximately 1 PSI for every 10°C fall in temperature. A tyre that's correctly inflated in a mild October can be significantly under-inflated by December. Under-inflated tyres reduce grip, increase fuel consumption and wear faster. Check pressures monthly through winter — it takes 5 minutes. See: How to check your tyre pressure.

3. Check the battery

Car batteries lose capacity in cold weather — the chemical reactions that generate current slow down at low temperatures. A battery that copes fine in summer may fail to start the car on a cold January morning. If your battery is 3 years or older, get it load-tested before winter. A dead battery is the most common cause of winter breakdowns in the UK.

Signs a battery is weakening: slow cranking when starting, dimming headlights, warning light on the dashboard. See our guide: Car battery warning signs.

4. Check your antifreeze (coolant)

Antifreeze prevents your engine coolant from freezing in winter and boiling in summer. It should be checked with an antifreeze tester (available from any motor factors) — the mixture should protect to at least -25°C for UK conditions. Coolant that's never been changed can also become acidic over time, corroding the cooling system. Replace every 2 years or as part of a major service.

5. Check your screen wash concentration

Standard summer screen wash will freeze in the jets and reservoir if temperatures drop below zero. Switch to a winter-formulation screen wash rated to at least -15°C before November. Never top up with plain water — it dilutes the antifreeze protection and can freeze your washer system solid.

6. Check your wiper blades

Wiper blades harden and degrade over time. Blades that seem fine in summer often streak and smear on a cold, frosty morning — exactly when you need them most. If your wipers are leaving smeared patches or squeaking, replace them before winter. Blades cost around £10–£20 per pair and take minutes to fit.

7. Check all lights

With shorter daylight hours and more fog, lights are used harder in winter. Walk around the car and check every bulb — headlights (dipped and full beam), brake lights, indicators, reverse light, number plate light, and fog lights. Carry a spare bulb kit in the glovebox — they're inexpensive and very useful if a bulb goes on the road.

8. Check your brakes

Wet and cold conditions reduce brake effectiveness, which makes any existing wear more noticeable. If you've been hearing squealing, grinding, or feeling the car pulling to one side under braking, get the brakes inspected before winter. A brake inspection at Salek is straightforward — we check pad thickness, disc condition and caliper operation. See our brake repair service.

9. Check your engine oil level

Cold starts put extra demand on engine oil because the oil is thicker and takes longer to circulate. Running low on oil in winter can cause premature engine wear. Check the dipstick with the engine cold — the level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks. Top up with the correct grade if needed (check your owner's handbook for the specification).

10. Keep an emergency kit in the car

For winter driving, it's worth keeping a few basics in the boot:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Small torch (for checking tyres in the dark)
• Warm blanket and high-vis jacket
• Jump leads or a portable battery booster
• A tyre inflator or repair kit

You may never need them — but when you do, you'll be glad they're there.