Cold weather is the busiest time for breakdowns — flat batteries, frozen screens and worn tyres top the list. A few simple checks keep you moving all winter.
The essentials
Battery
Cold is hard on batteries, and most that fail are over five years old. If your engine turns over slowly, get it tested before it leaves you stranded on a frosty morning.
Tyres
Check tread (at least 1.6mm, ideally 3mm for winter) and pressures. Grip matters far more when roads are wet, icy or covered in leaves.
Screenwash and wipers
Top up with screenwash rated to at least -15°C so it doesn''t freeze, and replace smeary wiper blades. Winter sun and salt spray make clear vision essential.
Lights
Shorter days mean more driving in the dark. Walk around the car and check every bulb — and keep lenses clean of road grime.
Coolant / antifreeze
The right antifreeze mix stops the engine freezing and overheating. If you''re unsure, have it checked at a service.
Good to know
It reduces condensation and means you won''t run dry if you''re caught in slow traffic or a diversion.
A blanket, torch, hi-vis, scraper, and a phone power bank turn a breakdown from miserable to manageable.
Don''t just clear a letterbox in the ice — clear every window and your mirrors before setting off.
Save our number so a winter breakdown is one quick call, not a cold scramble.
