Winter Car Maintenance Checklist

How to prepare your car for cold weather.

Stay Safe and Ready for the Season

When the temperature drops, you automatically reach for warm coats, scarves, and gloves. Your car deserves the same level of care. Preparing your vehicle for winter ensures safety, reliability, and comfort through snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

Here’s your step-by-step winter maintenance checklist — everything you need to keep your car performing its best during the coldest months of the year.

Fast Facts: Your Winter Checklist at a Glance

✅ Fit your car with winter tyres
✅ Check the condition of your tyres
✅ Top up all essential fluids
✅ Test your battery
✅ Inspect your lights
✅ Replace worn wiper blades
✅ Pack a winter car emergency kit

1. Fit Your Car with Winter Tyres

Switching to winter tyres is one of the most important steps in preparing for cold weather.

Unlike summer tyres, winter tyres remain flexible in low temperatures and offer superior grip on ice, snow, and slush. Many European countries even make them a legal requirement during winter months.

Tip:
Aim to fit your winter tyres around October, when the temperature consistently drops below 7°C.

If you live in a region with mild winters, consider all-season tyres as a year-round alternative. Learn more about the differences between summer, winter, and all-season tyres [here].

2. Check the Condition of Your Winter Tyres

Before hitting the road, make sure your winter tyres — including the spare — are in good condition.

Perform a quick visual inspection and check for:

• Adequate tread depth (minimum 4 mm recommended for winter)

• Correct tyre pressure (cold weather can lower it)

• Any cracks, bulges, or uneven wear

If you’re unsure, a professional tyre specialist can inspect and advise whether replacement is necessary.

3. Top Up Your Vehicle’s Fluids

Cold temperatures can impact your car’s vital fluids. To keep everything running smoothly, check and top up the following:

• 🛢 Engine oil – essential for lubrication in cold starts

• 💧 Windscreen washer fluid – use a winter-grade mix to prevent freezing

• 🧊 Antifreeze (coolant) – prevents your engine’s cooling system from freezing

Pro tip:
Park on a flat surface and check fluids when the engine is cold. Never exceed the “MAX” line on any reservoir.

4. Check Your Battery

Car batteries lose capacity in cold weather, and older ones can struggle to start your engine.

Watch for these warning signs:

• The engine turns over slowly

• Headlights or interior lights appear dim

• Electrical accessories perform weakly

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your battery tested by a professional. If it’s more than three years old, consider a replacement before winter sets in.

5. Check Your Lights

With shorter days and frequent fog, snow, and rain, your car’s lighting system becomes more critical than ever.

Inspect and clean all exterior lights, including:

• Headlights and fog lights

• Brake and tail lights

• Indicators and reversing lights

If lenses appear dull, polish them using toothpaste — it’s mildly abrasive and helps remove grime and oxidation.

Safety tip: Always carry spare bulbs if your vehicle allows easy replacement.

6. Inspect and Replace Your Wiper Blades

Effective visibility is vital in winter. If your wipers leave streaks or make scraping noises, it’s time to replace them.

When buying new blades, check your car manual or ask a specialist to ensure the correct size and fit.

During frosty mornings, never use your wipers to clear ice — use an ice scraper instead to avoid damaging the rubber blades.

7. Prepare a Winter Car Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference if you get stranded in severe winter weather. Keep these essentials in your boot:

Car Tools

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Flashlight (with spare batteries)

• Jumper cables

• Tow rope

• Small shovel

• Road salt or sand

• Spare tyre (check pressure monthly)

Communication & Safety

• Mobile phone charger or power bank

• Hazard warning triangle

• High-visibility vest (mandatory in many countries)

• Whistle

Warmth & Comfort

• First aid kit

• Drinking water and energy bars

• Warm clothing (socks, gloves, hat, scarf)

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Fleece blanket

• Waterproof boots

You may never need everything in your winter kit — but if you do, you’ll be grateful to have it.

Final Thought

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your car doesn’t have to be.
By following this winter car maintenance checklist, you’ll ensure your vehicle is safe, reliable, and ready to handle whatever the season throws your way.

Whether it’s a frosty morning commute or a snowy mountain escape, preparation is the key to confident, worry-free winter driving.