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Our winter car checklist is here to help every driver stay safe on the road as the colder months approach. Winter naturally brings unpredictable weather, icy roads, and longer nights, so taking a little time now to check your car can save you from bigger problems later.
This guide is designed to be simple and practical, with quick checks that anyone can do, no matter what type of car you drive! From checking your battery and tyres, to topping up essential fluids and keeping an emergency kit on hand, these steps can make a big difference in keeping you and other road users safe.
At Pulman, we’re a family-run car retailer based in the North East, dedicated to helping drivers stay safe and confident behind the wheel all year round. Let’s take a look.
Below are some simple things to keep an eye on as part of your winter car checklist. Most things are very simple, yet they can make a huge difference in keeping you safe on the roads - especially in dangerous or unpredictable weather.
Cold weather can take a real toll on your car’s battery, reducing its performance and making it harder for your engine to start. If your battery is more than three to five years old, it’s worth having it tested at a garage before winter sets in, as older batteries are more likely to struggle in low temperatures.
If you don’t drive your car regularly, consider taking it for a longer run once a week as this helps keep the battery in good condition. It’s also a good habit to avoid leaving your lights, heaters, or any electronics on when the engine’s off, as these can drain the battery which is not what you need on a frosty morning. These few simple checks now can help prevent one of the most common causes of winter breakdowns.
It’s important to keep an eye on your oil level, especially during winter when your engine works harder in cold conditions.Use the dipstick to check your oil level regularly, ideally when the engine is cool and the car is on level ground. If the level is low, check your vehicle handbook to make sure you’re using the correct oil type before topping up.
Locate the oil cap (usually marked with an oil can symbol), and pour in small amounts at a time to avoid overfilling; too much oil can cause just as many problems as too little.
Once you’ve topped up, replace the oil cap securely and recheck the dipstick to confirm that the level sits within the correct range. Taking a few minutes to do this regularly can help your engine run smoothly and efficiently all winter long.
Your tyres are your only point of contact with the road so they need to be kept in good condition. Start by inspecting your tread depth as the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm or more is recommended for better grip and shorter stopping distances. Also check your tyre pressure as colder temperatures can cause it to drop, affecting handling and fuel efficiency.
Look for any cuts, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects that could lead to a puncture. If you regularly drive in snow or icy conditions, it’s worth considering a set of winter tyres as these will provide more grip on slippy roads.
To make managing your tyres even easier, Pulman offers a dedicated tyre management service called Hotel4Tyres. This is perfect for drivers who change between summer and winter tyres so you can keep them in top condition all year round. Supplied and fitted by Pulman’s expert technicians, both sets are safely stored at Pulman’s own facilities so they’re ready when the seasons change. Available exclusively at Pulmans service centres in Durham, Sunderland, and Cramlington, Hotel4Tyres gives drivers a convenient way to protect their tyres and stay safe on the road.
As the darker nights draw in, reliable car lighting becomes essential for your safety and for the safety of other drivers on the road. If your exterior lights fail, other drivers are less likely to see you and will have less time to react.
But this is about more than just safety - it’s a legal requirement. According to UK guidance, if your vehicle has something wrong with it (for example a broken headlight or brake light), the police may stop you and issue a Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice.
Furthermore if you’re caught driving with missing or faulty lights, you could receive a fixed penalty. For instance, driving without lights at night can carry a fine of around £50 (with no points) under certain conditions. However according to the RAC, the fine can go much higher - up to £1,000 in court.
As a result it’s a good idea to keep at least one set of spare bulbs in your glove compartment or boot so you can replace any that fail before you’re caught out.
As the evenings grow darker and temperatures drop, the risk of breaking down becomes greater and more dangerous. Keeping your fuel tank topped up during winter is a simple precaution that can make a big difference. A fuller tank helps to prevent condensation from forming inside, which can lead to water freezing in the fuel lines or cause starting problems in very low temperatures.
Having extra fuel in the tank also gives you peace of mind if you ever get caught in bad weather or an unexpected delay. In the event of a breakdown or if you become stuck in snow, it means you can safely keep the heater running to stay warm while waiting for help. It’s a small habit that adds an extra layer of safety and comfort to your winter driving routine.
Even with the best preparation, winter weather can be unpredictable!
You might set off on a calm, dry morning only for snow or fog to set in unexpectedly. That’s why keeping an emergency kit in your car is such a smart move in case conditions suddenly take a turn. These small essentials don’t take up much space but can make all the difference if you get stuck or delayed during a journey.
Keep your kit somewhere easy to reach, such as the glove compartment or boot, and include the following items:
Your car’s coolant plays a vital role in keeping the engine at a stable temperature, preventing it from overheating in summer and freezing during winter.
As the weather turns colder, it’s important to make sure your coolant level is where it should be, especially before any long journeys. A quick check can help you avoid costly repairs or roadside breakdowns.
Follow these simple steps:
Taking a few minutes to check your coolant regularly can prevent engine damage and keep your car running smoothly through the colder months.
Keeping your windscreen clear is essential for safe driving, especially in winter when roads can be covered with ice, dirt, and road salt. This can build up fast, leaving a film that can seriously reduce your visibility and impact your safety.
It’s important to check your screenwash level regularly, particularly before long trips or during the colder weather. So you’re never caught out, it’s also a good idea to keep a spare bottle in your boot, so you can top up whenever you need to.
Following on from the point above, a clear windscreen is important for your safety. Aside from dirt and salt building up on the outside, it’s also wise to clean your windscreen on the inside to prevent dirt from forming. This can be dangerous as it can cause glare from headlights and make visibility even more challenging.
The Highway Code clearly states: “Windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision”. Aside from cleaning it, you can also use your heater or air conditioning to quickly clear condensation or mist from inside the glass before setting off.
If you’d rather have peace of mind that your car’s fully prepared during the cold season, Pulman offers professional winter health checks. From tyres and lights to fluids and batteries, we make sure everything’s running safely.
It’s a quick and affordable way to get winter-ready. Simply complete the enquiry form here and we'll be in touch.
This winter car checklist will come in useful when you’re driving on the roads in colder conditions. The checks are simple, quick, and easy - but they make a big difference for your road safety especially when the roads are slippery and it's dark.
As mentioned in this blog, the weather can be unpredictable so you need to be prepared for sudden changes. Small things like having an emergency kit in the boot or topping up your screen wash can make a big difference.
At Pulman, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get road-ready for winter. Our partnership with Hotel4Tyres for example means you can seamlessly switch between summer and winter tyres, giving you peace of mind all year round. With a range of new and approved used cars available, come and visit our showroom and find your next car with Pulman.
