Winter weather driving checklist
Essential checks and precautions for driving in winter weather such as:
LOW SUN
FOG
HIGH WINDS
HEAVY RAIN
SNOW AND ICE
Did you know?
22% of all UK road accidents are caused by bad weather.
Windscreen - Make sure your windscreen is clean inside and out to avoid low sun glare. |
![]() Screen wash - Use at least 50% screenwash concentrate to prevent freezing in frosty weather. |
![]() Antifreeze - Its important to check your coolant level and top it up with antifreeze. |
![]() Oil levels - Check your oil levels, make sure its between the minimum and maximum. |
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![]() Fuel - Its best to keep a minimum of quarter of a tank of fuel in case of delays. |
![]() Tyres - Consider getting winter tyres to improve safety and make sure to check tyre pressure. |
![]() Battery - Batteries over 5 years old struggle in cold weather and do not produce the same current that it can in warmer weather. |
![]() Lights - Make sure your lights work and are clean to be sure you can see and be seen. |
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Windscreen - Make sure your windscreen is clean inside and out to avoid low sun glare. |
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Screen wash - Use at least 50% screenwash concentrate to prevent freezing in frosty weather. |
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Antifreeze - Its important to check your coolant level and top it up with antifreeze. |
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oil levels - Check your oil levels, make sure its between the minimum and maximum. |
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Fuel - Its best to keep a minimum of quarter of a tank of fuel in case of delays. |
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Tyres - Consider getting winter tyres to improve safety and make sure to check tyre pressure. |
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Battery - Batteries over 5 years old struggle in cold weather and do not produce the same current that it can in warmer weather. |
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Lights - Make sure your lights work and clean to be sure you can see and be seen. |
Keep your phone fully charged and bring an in-car charger
Sunglasses are good protection from low-sun glare
Take your personal medication with you just in case you get stuck in the winter weather
Its handy to keep a first aid kit in your car at all times
A flat battery is a common winter problem, leave some jump leads in your car and if possible get your battery checked
Get a sat-nav or app on your phone to help avoid accidents or roadworks
Keep a road atlas hand just in case your sat-nav or phone fails
Winter survival kit
Torch
Blankets
Batteries
Warm cloths
Bag
Snacks
Spade
Water
Ice scraper
Winter driving laws and facts
- By law you MUST be able to clearly see out of every window and mirror.
- Studded tyres are illegal in the UK
- Remove all snow from the roof and bonnet of your car so nothing falls off when driving.
- Clear any snow or ice from number plate and lights
Winter tips
Travel updates - tune in to local radio stations for traffic updates and accidents
Don’t use water to de-ice windscreens - hot water can crack the glass, and the water will only freeze again on the screen or on the ground where you are standing.
Locks - Spray some WD-40 to your lock to prevent it from freezing
Stopping distances - are up to ten times greater in snow and ice.
If you are worried your car may not survive the winter speak to us about our range of cars and a loan, or can find your own car from any reputable dealer and we could help with finance