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Good video on what checks to make on your car

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Good video on what checks to make on your car

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When winter weather blows in, you needn't give driving the cold shoulder. But you might be wondering what to keep in your car in case of a winter breakdown.

Read our checklist to see how to build your own winter survival kit for your car. Or you can buy our ready-made winter car kit with all the accessories you need online.

Winter car essentials

Here's a checklist of the items you should always keep in your car over winter:

1. Ice scraper and de-icer

You never know when you'll wake up to an iced over windscreen or come back to a frozen car after a day out.

Make sure you always carry an ice-scraper and de-icer so you can effectively defrost your windscreen. If you don't remove snow and ice properly, you could get 3 points on your licence and a £100 fine.

Discover why your car heater's not working and what you should do about it.

2. Torch and spare batteries

Short days and long nights in winter mean you could be getting in and out of your car in the dark. Keep a torch handy to avoid any trips.

If you break down, you'll need to find a safe place to wait for roadside assistance. A torch will help light your way on a dark verge.

3. A fully charged mobile phone

If you're delayed because of bad weather (or a weather related incident), it's a good idea to let your loved ones know. It'll save them worrying and stop any distracting texts and phone calls coming in while you're behind the wheel.

Just remember not to use a handheld phone while driving. Pull into a safe rest stop to make a call or ask a passenger to do it for you.

If you install the AA app before you set off, you'll be able to easily plan a new route if there are diversions or call out a mechanic if you break down.

4. An in-car phone charger or power pack

This'll help with number 3 on the list, because you don't want a dead phone battery in an emergency.

5. Sat-nav or a printed route for an unfamiliar journey

The last thing you want is to get lost in the dark on unfamiliar roads. Fiddling with a sat nav could distract you from driving, so planning ahead is the best option.

6. A road atlas

Just in case there are diversions and you don't have any GPS signal, a road atlas will help you plan a new route.

7. Sunglasses

It might seem strange to put sunglasses on a winter checklist. But actually, the low sun in winter can dazzle drivers and cause glare. Keep your sunnies in the car to make sure your vision isn't affected.

8. First aid kit

It's always a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your car. The British Standards Institution has guidelines on what to include like sterile wipes, plasters, dressings and scissors to treat minor wounds. A good kit should have all these.

9. Empty fuel can

You'd be surprised how many breakdowns are caused by running out of fuel. If you keep an empty fuel can in the car, you'll be able to nip to a filling station for a top up if you do run out.

You can always call us and we'll top you up with enough fuel to get you going again.

Follow these tips to drive safely in snow and ice
Find out more

Winter car emergency kit list

If there's severe weather warnings but you can't avoid driving, there are a few extra things to keep in your car to make sure you stay safe. After all, winter's the time of year when you're most likely to get stuck in delays or break down in bad weather.

Find out more about what to do if you break down. Here's what to keep in your car if there's snow or severe weather:

1. Warm clothes and waterproofs

If you break down, you'll need to get out of the car to stay safe. That means taking extra clothes to wrap up warm against the cold.

2. Sturdy footwear

Whether it's a country lane or a motorway verge, conditions outside the car could be slippery. Shoes with good grip will help you to get to a place of safety away from the car if you break down.

3. A flask of hot drink

It'll help keep you warm while you wait for a breakdown mechanic.

4. Snacks

If you're delayed in traffic because of snow, rain or a bad-weather collision, you could be in for a long wait. Snacks will keep your energy and concentration levels up - especially when it's cold and dark.

The same goes for if you have a break down.

5. Hi-vis jacket

There are fewer daylight hours in winter. Darkness together with a higher chance of rain, snow, sleet and fog means visibility could be poor. A hi-vis fluorescent jacket will make you more visible if you're standing outside your car.

6. Warning triangles

As well as a hi-vis jacket, reflective warning triangles will make you more visible if you break down. They'll warn other drivers that there's a broken down vehicle up ahead, giving them a chance to slow down before they reach you.

Remember, don’t put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder if you’re on a motorway – it’s not safe. If you’re on a road and it’s safe, you can put a warning triangle at least 45m (50 yards) behind your vehicle and one in front of your vehicle.

7. Jump leads

A flat battery is more likely in winter as cold weather affects batteries. Plus, your car might sit for longer than usual without being driven if you're busy at home with festive activities.

Often, a flat battery can get going again with a jump start from a fellow driver. That's where jump leads come in handy. Remember, you can always call us out to restart or replace your battery.

8. Shovel

If there's deep snow, you may need to dig your wheels out, so a shovel could come in handy.

But when the weather's really bad, it's important to ask yourself: do I need to leave the house? If conditions outside might be dangerous, you should avoid driving if you can.

Stocking up on essentials

You can buy lots of these winter essentials from our online shop. Buy them in advance and keep them in your car, so if the weather does turn for the worse, you'll be ready.

Plus we’ve got plenty of winter driving advice to help you stay safe when there's snow and ice.

Published: 15 September 2016 | Updated: 9 December 2019 | Author: The AA

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Winter car essentials checklist - Snow car kits | The AA

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Here’s a list of what to keep in your car for a winter emergency, as well as links to AA Winter Car Kits. An essential list for even the coldest breakdown!

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Breakdowns are more common in the winter and road conditions can be really challenging, especially when snow and ice strike. Here's how to stay safe...

No matter how well equipped your own car is, if a lorry jack-knifes ahead of you, you'll be stuck along with everyone else, so if you're driving, pack a winter emergency kit, just in case.

Batteries and electrics

Car batteries rarely last longer than five years, and there are extra demands on them in the winter, thanks to lights, heating and wipers.

Tips

Turn off electrical loads like lights, heated rear window and wipers before trying to start the engine.

Use the starter in short five-second bursts.

If the engine doesn't start quickly, wait 30 seconds between attempts.

If you don't use your car often, give it a regular overnight trickle charge.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze only costs a few pounds, but a frozen and cracked engine costs hundreds to repair. You need a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water for the winter - this protects your engine down to -34C. Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze. Make sure you use the right type. Some types of antifreeze need changing after only two years. Check your service schedule.

Troubleshooting

A continuous squealing noise when you start up probably means the water pump's frozen - it's the fan belt slipping on the pulley. Stop the engine straight away and let it thaw out. This could take days unless you can move it into a heated garage.

If your car overheats a few miles from home, it's likely that the radiator has frozen. Stop straight away so you don't cause more serious damage.

Vision

Clean your windscreen inside and out.

Keep the windscreen and other windows clear of dirt, snow and stickers, to avoid a fine.

Clear snow from the roof - it can fall onto the windscreen and block your view.

Air-con demists the screen faster and reduces condensation.

Replace worn or damaged wiper blades.

Don't leave your wipers on auto when you park up if there's a risk of frost. If the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on.

Use a suitable additive in your screenwash to reduce the chance of it freezing.

Here's some more advice on how to keep a clear windscreen during the winter months.

Visibility

Make sure all lights are working and lenses clean.

If the roads are really mucky you might have to clean your lights after every trip.

Keep number plates clean, to avoid fines.

If you have to clear snow, don't forget the lights - front and back.

You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. If you use fog lights, remember to switch them off when visibility improves so they don't dazzle other drivers or obscure your brake lights.

Tyres

We recommend at least 3mm of tread for the winter.

Don't let air out of your tyres to get more grip - it doesn't work, and it's unsafe.

Only use snow chains if there's enough snow to prevent damage to the road.

Think about getting winter tyres or all-season tyres - these are made from a special rubber that gives better grip in cold, wet conditions.

More about tyres Need new tyres? Book a fitting and we'll come to you
Buying winter tyres? Get a free fitting at your home or workplace

Snow and ice

Take it slow - with stopping distances 10 times longer, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in ice and snow.

Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving.

Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

Uphill - leave plenty of room or wait until it's clear so you don't have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.

Downhill - slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can to the car in front.

If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.

If you drive an Automatic, check the handbook - some have a winter mode or recommend selecting '2' in slippery conditions.

If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.

Before you set off

Allow extra time for winter journeys.

Try to get up at least 10 minutes early, to give you time to de-ice the car.

Check fuel levels - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.

Don't drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen.

Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer.

Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock.

Plan routes to favour major roads, which are more likely to be cleared and gritted.

Don't drive with a cold if you're feeling unwell and on any medicine that could make you drowsy.

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Breakdowns are more common in the winter and road conditions can be really challenging, especially when snow and ice strike. Here's how to stay safe... No matter how well equipped your own car is, if a lorry jack-knifes ahead of you, you'll be stuck along with everyone else, so if you're driving, pack a winter emergency kit, just in case.

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Driving in cold weather can be a challenge, read on for our winter car maintenance checklist

It goes without saying that you need to keep your car in good condition throughout the year, but this takes a bit of extra thought in winter. Recovery firms say you're twice as likely to break down during this season, but there are some precautions that you can take in order to avoid being stuck in the cold.

Now that the cold months have arrived, it's advisable to take a bit of time to go over your motor and check that everything is as it should be. If you're not sure where to start or exactly what to check, read on through our checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.

We've included everything from the quick, easy tasks that take no time at all but can make all the difference, such as washer fluid and lighting checks, right up to more serious jobs, including fitting winter tyres. We've also included some recommended purchases where applicable.

Winter car maintenance checklist

Despite the added urgency of keeping your car well maintained during the winter, most of the checks are the same ones you would perform during the rest of the year. That said, there are a few points where a bit of extra winter attention wouldn't go amiss.

Check your car battery

Cold and damp weather can put a strain on your car's 12-volt battery. The lower temperatures already make it harder for an engine to turn over, but unfortunately, as any EV driver will tell you, cold weather also has a negative impact on a battery's power output. If you haven't changed your car battery recently, then it could be tired, and the cold weather could amplify the problem. If the battery struggles to provide enough power to start your car, the chances are it's on its way out.

You can get a home battery tester and most are easy to use. If you do indeed need a replacement battery then, assuming you can start the car, you can drive to your local dealer or car spares shop to buy a new one. Most car battery stockists will also fit it for you.

Car battery prices vary, and models fitted with stop-start systems need a heavier-duty battery that can cost much more than the standard type, depending on the size, type and the electrical current produced. There are dozens of combinations on offer, so make sure you get the correct one for your car.

If you can't start your car, but have access to a 12-volt power supply in another car, then you can use a set of jump leads. If you're skilled enough and it's accessible, you could remove the battery and charge it indoors. This can be complex, not least because car batteries are heavy. You should always refer to the owner's manual.

Check antifreeze

Antifreeze, as its name suggests, stops the water in the engine's cooling system from freezing. To test the effectiveness of your antifreeze, an antifreeze tester can be brought from your local car spares shop. To use it, unscrew the coolant reservoir cap under the bonnet (ensuring the engine is cold first), lower the tube into the coolant and squeeze the rubber bulb on the end to suck some antifreeze inside the tester.

You can then read the freezing point of the antifreeze using the scale inside the tester. Replace the antifreeze in the car's system and replace the cap.

Check screen wash

Winter weather is frequently wet, and this draws all the dirt and road salt from the road surface, so you'll spend lots of time using your windscreen wipers. Assuming your wipers are in good shape, there's still a high risk of them smearing grime across the windscreen if your screen wash bottle is empty.

To ensure this doesn't happen to you, open the windscreen washer bottle under the bonnet, and make sure that it is topped up. You can buy screenwash either ready-mixed or as a concentrate, which you'll need to mix with water.

Screen wash has a lower freezing temperature than water alone, so you shouldn't end up with frozen washer jets, although they can still become blocked if there's a particularly heavy frost or freezing rain gets into them.

Check exterior lights

It sounds simple, and it is. The days are shorter and the weather is worse during the winter months, so maintenance of your exterior lights is an important aspect of any winter car checklist.

Check and clean your lights regularly. Salt and dirt can quickly build-up, reducing the effectiveness of the lights and reducing your visibility to other road users. It's best to keep your lights on in all sorts of weather, because it helps you to be seen. Carry extra bulbs in case of a failure, but do try and learn how to replace the bulbs when it's convenient, because when one does blow it'll almost certainly be in the dark and possibly in cold and wet weather, too, not an ideal time to learn about your car.

Professional winter car checks

If you've not got the time to prepare your car for winter, then you can ask an expert to do it for you. Many main dealers and high street car spares shops can do this for a nominal fee. Some even offer free winter car checks, especially if your car is due a service around the same time.

Winter tyres

If you frequently drive in winter, then consider buying a set of winter tyres. They offer exceptional grip when the temperature drops below seven degrees, and while they're effective in snow and ice, they also perform better than summer tyres when it's wet. They're not cheap, but are well worth the investment for the additional safety they bring.

It's up to you whether you buy a second set of wheels to fit them on, but if you choose to swap the winter tyres onto the same wheels, it's a job for a tyre fitter, as it's a pretty tough job to do yourself.

Even if you don't want the extra cost of winter tyres, checking the tread depth of your existing tyres is important. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but having more than this can dramatically improve steering and braking. Indeed, if your tyres require replacement, then winter is a good time to do it. Also, check your tyre pressures regularly, because these can change with the drop in air temperature with the changing of the seasons.

Winter car equipment

Carrying an emergency kit with you at all times through the winter might seem a bit extreme - but if you ever find yourself stranded you'll be glad of it. We recommend:

* A mobile phone and charger

* A hazard warning triangle

* Hi-visibility vest

* A first aid kit

* De-icer and a scraper

* A shovel

* A tow rope

* Wellington boots

* A torch

* Warm clothes

* Food and drink

And a decent set of car mats will not only protect your car's carpets from wet or muddy feet, but can be wedged under the driven wheels to get you moving should you get really stuck in the snow.
What are your top tips for driving in winter weather? Let us know in the comments section below...
Best winter cars

Get ready for winter on the roads

Top tips for winter driving

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Preparing your car for winter: top tips and things to check | Auto Express

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Driving in cold weather can be a challenge, read on for our winter car maintenance checklist It goes without saying that you need to keep your car in good condition throughout the year, but this takes a bit of extra thought in winter.

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0:00 / 23:47•Watch full video

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SIMPLE CAR MAINTENANCE : HOW TO PREPARE FOR A UK WINTER 01 YT01

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Are you nervous about hitting the road this winter ? Read this for some reassurance!

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Are you nervous about hitting the road this winter ? Read this for some reassurance!

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The RAC is one of the strongest voices for safe, accurate and up-to-date winter driving advice. Use this page to prepare for winter driving this season.

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Breakdowns or accidents caused by unsafe tyres will be at minimum an inconvenience, and at worst could be deadly. Make sure you're one step ahead of cold and snowy winter weather by doing a few simple checks on your vehicle today.

The RAC recommends using the acronym 'FORCES' to remember the simple winter checks:

It may sound obvious but ensure you have enough fuel for your journey - it is a good idea to fill-up before setting off. Cars use more fuel in heavy traffic and start/stop conditions which can be regular occurrences, especially in wintry weather. And if the weather changes and it takes longer than you expect you could encounter problems.

Check your oil level using the dip stick and top-up if necessary - check your handbook if you are unfamiliar with how to do this and to ensure you use the correct oil. Locate the oil cap with the oil can symbol on it and pour in the right amount. Make sure you replace the cap fully and be careful not to overfill as this can cause more problems.

Locate the oil cap with the oil can symbol on it and pour in the right amount. Make sure you replace the cap fully and be careful not to overfill as this can cause more problems.
Check your tyre tread depth and air pressure
Remember that well-maintained tyres are vital to give you traction and grip on icy, wet surfaces. Your car's recommended tyre pressure can be found either in your car's manual or inside the driver's door.

The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm. Check your tyre tread depth using either a tyre gauge, the marker bars on your tyre or a 20 pence coin. If you can't see the outer band of the 20p your tyres are within the legal limit. RAC recommends you check your tyres every fortnight, and before long journeys. The RAC recommends changing your tyres before they get to the low limit and ideally a minimum tread depth of 3mm in icy or very wet conditions.
Check your wiper blades
In winter your windscreen can get a very dirty from rain, snow, ice and road salt. Maintaing good visibility is always imperative so check your wipers are doing the job by spraying some washer fluid and checking they clean the windscreen. Then get out of the car and run your fingers along the length of the the blades to check for splits. It's recommended to change wiper blades every 12 months.

Coolant (a mixture of water and antifreeze) is pumped around your engine to cool it. You should regularly check your engine coolant level and top-up if required. Remember only check this when the engine is cool otherwise you risk scalding yourself. It's not normal for coolant levels to drop suddenly, so if it does, get it checked out at a garage. You should find the coolant is between the min/max marks on the side of the tank.

Check your lights and indicators are all working properly and replace bulbs or fuses if required. Battery problems are the reason for more RAC call-outs in winter than anything else. Car batteries need replacing every few years (according to usage) so make sure you get yours checked at your car service. RAC has a guide about checking and maintaining your battery.

6. S - Screen wash

Make sure you top up your screenwash with a product that is effective down to at least -15 degrees Celsius. This additive helps to keep the windscreen free of ice and dirt, particularly the winter road grime caused by road salting and gritting which can cause visibility issues. There is also the risk of a frozen windscreen which is another reason to ensure you use a proper anti-freeze screen wash.

Here's a video of a few winter vehicle tips

Get organised now: prepare a basic winter car kit

Put together a basic winter car kit with a few items to make sure you're ready when cold weather hits. Your winter car kit should include:

Ice scraper and de-icer

Jump leads

Reflective warning triangle - ideally two

Sunglasses

In-car phone charger - and a portable battery charger

Blanket

These are some easy items to put together as a very minimal basic option, but you should also consider a more substantial kit - find out more about what a full winter car kit should contain

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6 simple checks to prepare your vehicle for winter

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With busy lives, it's sometimes difficult to find time to make preparations, but checking your car is ready for winter is a really important job to do.

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A great Youtube Video with steps preparing for winter

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A great Youtube Video with steps preparing for winter