During winter, road users need to be more alert and aware of their surroundings as conditions deteriorate and the cold sets in. While it’s hit or miss whether snow will fall, we still experience below freezing temperatures during UK winters, which present hazardous conditions for driving. However, we can’t just stop commuting or travelling for 2 or 3 months when these weather conditions are at their worst, so instead we must prepare our vehicles to make sure they are ready to withstand the increased pressure winter can create. 

Here at Vantage Auto Services, our team operates a reliable car repair centre that offers a range of services that can help you keep your vehicle in good condition in preparation for winter. Every year, we see a variety of car owners who haven’t properly prepared their vehicles for the winter months and have had to pay the price in spring. For that reason, our team has come together to create this helpful and informative guide so that you can make sure your car is winter ready! 

What Are Some Winter Hazards for Drivers?

There is a reason we tend to see accident and vehicle damage statistics soar each and every winter, and that is mainly due to the weather, but also other road users who don’t take the adjustments they may need to make into consideration. Some of the common hazards a driver may face in winter includes: 

Black Ice

Black ice is highly unpredictable and completely transparent on road surfaces, making it difficult to spot for those travelling at speed in their vehicles. The main risk black ice presents is skidding and sliding, however it is the world around black ice that presents true danger, such as nearby lampposts, structures, moving or stagnant vehicles, or even curbs. 

Standing Water

After heavy rainfall or storms – which are to be expected during the winter months – water can build up in roads. Some of this water can look deceivingly shallow and result in damage to the engine from water getting inside, or even hydroplaning where your tyres lose traction on the road surface. 

Other Drivers

With drastically reduced visibility thanks to rain, snow, or even increased risk of fog, one of the biggest hazards in winter is simply other drivers. Winter is a time where you not only need to be more mindful of your own driving and surroundings, but also be mindful of what other road users are doing. 

How To Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready! 

As you will be using your vehicle to get from A to B on a day to day basis, having it fall behind on maintenance increases the risks of something going wrong while on the road. To help you stay safe, below we have listed some of the ways you can maintain your vehicle in the run up to winter to make sure your vehicle doesn’t present its own hazard. Here are the ways you can make sure your car is winter ready: 

Antifreeze Engine Coolant Top Up

When temperatures reach below freezing, it’s important to top up your engine coolant with the correct mixture of water and antifreeze to avoid freezing in the engine components and receiving a hefty repair bill when spring rolls around. 

Fit Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are thicker and tend to have more grip than typical tyres, needing a recommended tread of 3mm compared to the legal minimum of 1.6mm as they offer improved grip, essential for icy and slippery conditions. 

Winter Car Servicing

If your car is due a service or MOT inspection, we recommend doing this before the worst of winter hits as problems that can be worsened by winter weather can be resolved before you hit the road to reduce your risk while driving. 

Winter Car Kit

If you break down in winter, there are a few essentials to keep in the vehicle to make sure you’re prepared for the worst. This kit should include: 

  • A Hand Shovel
  • A Blanket
  • A Torch
  • A Hi-Vis Vest
  • Screenwash
  • A Scraper and De-Icer
  • A Map or Atlas
  • Food and Drink Supplies
  • Spare Batteries
  • Shoe Snow Grips

Contact Vantage Auto Services today to find out more! 

For more information on the ways you can prepare your vehicle for winter, get in touch with our team at Vantage Auto Services today! We offer a range of vehicle services, including vehicle repairs and air conditioning recharge, and we are confident that our team of experts will be able to keep your vehicle safe on the road this winter! We’re only a phone call away and can’t wait to hear from you! 

For more expert tips for navigating the UK roads, check out our blog on rural driving hazards now!