Getting your Car Ready for Winter: Dangers of Cold and Safety Tips

For a variety of reasons, driving can be difficult when the weather is cold. As such, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of preparation before the winter begins to bite. That way, you’ll be less likely to run into trouble on the road, and you’ll benefit from lower running costs, too.

How cold affects your car

When the temperature dips below freezing, your car will suffer in a range of ways. The contacts on your battery might corrode, thanks to condensation. The same applies to a greater extent in battery electric vehicles, whose efficiency can decline in cold weather. Your tires might deflate, since the air in them will contract and expand in response to changes in temperature. Your engine oil will become more viscous, especially if it’s not been formulated with cold weather in mind. It’s also worth thinking about your windscreen: it can easily freeze up, and the screenwash-dispensing nozzles can become blocked, too.

Tips for winter driving

There are a few habits you’ll want to get into if you’re driving in winter. Let’s look at them.

Slow down

When the road is wet, and possibly icy, your braking distance will increase. To compensate for this, it’s a good idea to reduce your speed. You should allow a little bit more time for every given journey, just so you can make sure that you aren’t rushing toward the end.

Charge your battery

If your battery is showing signs of age, then it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it. Keep it charged by going on frequent trips. If you’re keeping a car in your garage that you rarely drive, then use a trickle charger to keep it topped up.

Change your tyres

Your tyres should be above the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. But you’ll benefit from making the switch before this point, especially if you’re driving through rain. It might also be worth investing in winter tyres, especially if you anticipate doing a lot of driving over these few months.

Keep an emergency kit

It’s worth thinking about what you’ll do in the event that you become stranded at the roadside in freezing conditions. Pack a bag including a first-aid kit, a blanket, and some calorie-rich food, like chocolate and nuts. For the same reason, you should keep your phone fully charged.

Avoid bad weather

If there’s been a blizzard, and you can possibly avoid driving, then you should avoid driving. It’ll guard against the risk of your running into trouble, and it’ll reduce strain on your car, too. If you’re able to work remotely, then this is something of an easy decision.