How should you prepare your car for winter driving? Start with the five essentials: check your battery health, ensure your antifreeze is at the correct level, inspect your tyres for adequate tread depth and pressure, test all lights and wipers, and top up your windscreen washer fluid with a winter-grade solution. These simple checks take less than 30 minutes and can prevent breakdowns, accidents and expensive emergency repairs during the coldest months.

Battery Health — The Number One Winter Breakdown Cause

A flat battery is the most common cause of winter breakdowns in the UK. Cold temperatures reduce your battery's output while simultaneously making the engine harder to start. If your car is slow to turn over on cold mornings, or if your battery is more than 4 years old, get it tested before winter hits. At Auto Mechanix, we offer free battery health checks — we will test your battery's condition and let you know if it needs replacing.

Antifreeze and Coolant

Your engine's cooling system uses a mix of water and antifreeze to prevent the coolant from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. If the antifreeze concentration is too low, the coolant can freeze, which can crack the engine block — one of the most expensive repairs you can face. Check your coolant level with the engine cold, and have the antifreeze concentration tested. A proper winter car service will include this check as standard.

Tyres — Your Only Contact with the Road

In wet and icy conditions, tyre grip is critical. Check your tread depth using the 20p test — if you can see the outer band of the coin when inserted into the tread, you are below the 1.6mm legal minimum and need new tyres. Also check tyre pressures, as cold air causes them to drop. Under-inflated tyres reduce grip and increase stopping distances. If you want maximum winter safety, consider winter or all-season tyres which provide better grip below 7 degrees Celsius.

Lights and Visibility

Winter means shorter days and more driving in the dark. Walk around your car and check every light — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and reversing lights. Replace any blown bulbs immediately. Clean your headlight lenses too, as road grime can reduce light output significantly. Make sure your windscreen wipers clear the screen effectively and top up your washer fluid with a winter-grade solution rated to at least minus 10 degrees.

Brakes — Stopping in the Wet

Wet and icy roads mean longer stopping distances, so your brakes need to be in top condition. If you notice any squealing, grinding, vibrations or a spongy pedal, get them inspected before winter weather arrives. Even if your brakes feel fine, a pre-winter inspection gives you peace of mind that everything is working as it should.

Emergency Kit

Keep a small emergency kit in your boot through winter: a torch with spare batteries, a blanket, de-icer and a scraper, a phone charger, and some warm clothing. If you break down on a cold night, these essentials could make a significant difference while you wait for recovery.

Book a Winter Check Near Normacot

Auto Mechanix is less than half a mile from Normacot on Melville Road, Longton, ST3 4PZ. We offer comprehensive winter health checks covering your battery, coolant, tyres, brakes, lights, wipers and fluid levels. Book online or contact us on 07491 155581. We also carry out engine diagnostics and MOT testing if your car needs additional attention before the cold sets in.