Essential Winter Car Safety Tips: Your Complete Cold Weather Driving Checklist

08/10/2025

As the temperature drops and road conditions become more hazardous, preparing your vehicle for winter is not just smart - it’s essential. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a seasonal road trip, this winter car care checklist will help keep you safe, warm, and on the move.

Fuel & Battery Charge: Don’t Get Stranded

Before setting off, make sure your vehicle is fully fuelled or your EV is fully charged. Cold weather can impact overall efficiency, and for electric vehicles, energy used for heating may reduce driving range slightly.

Top Tip for EV Drivers: You can preheat your car whilst it's plugged in to the charger, using apps such as FordPass, to minimise effects on the vehicle's range as the energy will be taken from the grid instead of the vehicle's battery.

Tyres: Your Only Touch Point

Your tyres are the only contact point between your car and the road, so they must be in top condition.

Check for tears, bulges, and punctures
Ensure tyre pressure matches your vehicle’s handbook
Maintain at least 3mm tread depth for optimal grip in icy conditions

Upgrade for Safety: Consider switching to winter tyres for better traction and control in snow and slush.

Explore our tyre guide here

Lights: Be Seen, Stay Safe

With shorter days and longer nights, visibility is key.

Test all lights regularly, including brake and reverse lights
Clean light casings to remove grime and road salt
Replace any dim or broken bulbs immediately

Quick Check: Park near a reflective surface to inspect rear lights solo.

Screen Wash & Visibility: Clear View Ahead

Winter roads are messy: grit, salt, and dirt can quickly obscure your windscreen.

Use screen wash with anti-freeze properties
Keep your reservoir topped up
Check wiper blades for wear and replace if needed

Pro Tip: A clean windscreen improves visibility and reduces glare from headlights.

Book Your Free Winter Health Check Today

At TC Harrison Ford, your safety is our priority. Let our expert technicians give your vehicle a free visual health check to ensure it’s winter ready.