Winter driving: how to prepare your car

Battery — the winter weak point

Cold cuts battery output by up to 40%. If the battery is more than four years old or cranks slowly on a cold morning, have it load-tested before winter bites.

Tires and pressure

• Fit winter tires if temperatures regularly fall below 7 °C
• Check pressure cold — it drops about 0.1 bar per 10 °C
• Check tread depth — below 3 mm, grip falls sharply on snow

Coolant, washers and visibility

• Confirm the coolant mixture protects to at least -35 °C (a 50/50 mix)
• Use winter screen wash with anti-freeze
• Check wiper blades and heater/demister
• Clear ALL snow and ice before driving — including the roof

Emergency kit

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch, gloves, blanket
• Jump leads or a booster pack
• Phone charger and water
• Triangle and hi-vis vest