Is Your Car Ready for Winter? Expert Advice from Simon Shield Cars
Is Your Car Ready for Winter? Expert Advice from Simon Shield Cars
British winters are rarely gentle — wet roads, dark mornings, and the odd icy spell can all test your car. A few straightforward checks now can make all the difference when temperatures drop.
At Simon Shield Cars, every vehicle we sell goes through a full pre-winter inspection before it leaves our forecourt. But if you’re keeping your current car this year, here’s our expert guide to keeping it reliable, safe, and ready for whatever the weather brings.
1. Tyres: Grip You Can Rely On
Tyres are the only part of your car in contact with the road, so they deserve attention.
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Tread depth: The legal limit is 1.6 mm, but 3 mm gives noticeably better grip in wet and icy conditions.
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Pressure: Check regularly, especially as colder air can reduce it.
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Condition: Look for cuts or cracks in the sidewalls — cold weather makes rubber less flexible.
If you drive early or on rural roads, all-season or winter tyres can be worth fitting for extra traction.
2. Battery: The Number-One Winter Failure
Cold weather hits batteries hard. If your car’s turning over slowly or the lights dim when you start it, the battery could be on its way out.
A quick battery test at a garage can tell you whether it’s holding charge properly. Replacing it before it fails is cheaper than a call-out on a freezing morning.
3. Lights: See and Be Seen
Shorter days and low-sun glare mean lighting matters more than ever.
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Check every bulb — headlights, brake lights, fog lights and number-plate lights.
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Clean your lenses; dirt and oxidation can cut light output by up to a third.
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If your headlights seem poor, they may just need adjusting or a fresh set of bulbs.
4. Wipers and Screenwash
Wiper blades tend to harden or split in cold weather, so replace any that leave streaks.
Use winter-grade screenwash that won’t freeze on the glass; it also clears salt and grime more effectively.
5. Heating and Demisting
Your heater and air-con aren’t just for comfort — they’re vital for keeping windows clear.
If they’re slow to demist, have the system checked; a low coolant level or blocked cabin filter could be the cause.
6. Fluids and Antifreeze
Coolant (antifreeze) should be strong enough to protect the engine down to at least -25 °C and prevent internal corrosion.
Top up oil, brake fluid, and washer fluid as needed, following your car’s handbook for the correct grades.
7. Keep an Emergency Kit
Even the best-maintained cars can be caught out by a sudden cold snap. Keep these in the boot:
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Ice scraper and de-icer
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Torch and spare batteries
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Blanket, gloves, and a bottle of water
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Portable phone charger
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Small shovel if you live rurally
Stay safe. Stay prepared.