Cold mornings, slippery roads, foggy screens- winter driving can be tough. Stay safe and confident on the road this winter with these 5 essential tips.
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Check Your Tyres in Winter
Your tyres are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, and their condition is even more important in winter. Icy and wet roads mean your grip is reduced, making tread depth and pressure critical for control and stopping distances.
Make sure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread, although the legal minimum is 1.6mm, anything under 3mm performs poorly in the cold. Cold weather also causes tyre pressure to drop, so check and inflate them more regularly. For those driving in especially snowy or icy conditions, winter tyres or all-season tyres are well worth considering.
Tip: Keep a tyre inflator or pressure gauge in your boot always.
Keep Your Battery and Fluids in Good Condition
Cold temperatures are tough on car batteries, they reduce the chemical reaction that generates power. If your battery is over 3 years old, it’s worth getting it tested before winter sets in to avoid a no-start situation on a freezing morning.
Engine oil thickens in the cold, and so do other fluids like washer fluid and brake fluid. Use winter-grade screen wash to prevent freezing and maintain visibility. To protect your battery, turn off unnecessary electronics (like heated seats or lights) before starting the car, especially if it’s been sitting idle. If you drive infrequently, disconnect any accessories that may slowly drain the battery over time.
Improve Visibility: See and Be Seen
With shorter days and more driving in the dark, visibility is a top priority. Make sure all exterior and interior lights are working and replace any dim bulbs. Clean your headlights and taillights regularly. Dirt and grit from winter roads can reduce brightness significantly.
Keep your windscreen clean inside and out, and check your wiper blades for wear. Replace them if they streak or miss patches. During foggy or snowy conditions, use fog lights or dipped beams appropriately - avoid using full beams in snow or fog as it reflects light and reduces visibility. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ensure your prescription is up to date.
Defrost Your Car Safely & Drive Smoothly
It’s tempting to pour hot water on a frozen windscreen… don’t do it. The rapid temperature change can crack the glass. Use a proper de-icer spray and ice scraper instead, and let your engine warm up gradually before setting off.
Once on the road, adjust your driving style for winter conditions. Accelerate and brake gently, steer smoothly, double your usual stopping distance in the rain, and leave up to ten times the distance in snow or ice. Sudden movements can cause your tyres to lose grip, especially on corners or hills.
Skid Tip: If your car skids, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Winter Car Emergency Kit Essentials
Breakdowns are more likely in the winter, so it pays to be prepared. Keep a small winter emergency kit in your car to handle delays, breakdowns, or getting stuck in icy conditions.
Here’s what to include:
- Warm blanket and gloves
- Torch with spare batteries
- Fully charged power bank
- Bottled water and snacks
- Jump leads
- De-icer spray and scraper
- High-vis vest (especially important for motorways)
If you're heading into rural or remote areas, consider adding a shovel and some grit or cat litter for traction in snow.
Final Thoughts
A bit of preparation can go a long way when it comes to winter driving. By checking your tyres, fluids, lights, and adjusting how you drive, you’ll not only stay safer but also extend the life of your vehicle.
At Ayan Capital, we help drivers stay on the road with halal car finance options that are interest-free, transparent, and tailored for both personal and PCO use. If you’re looking to upgrade to something safer or more reliable for the colder months, get in touch today by clicking the ‘get your vehicle button’ on the top left of your screen!
