How to prepare your car for wintry conditions

Prepare your car for the winter conditions. Credit: SWNS

Despite the sunny weather, snow and ice are still affecting many roads across the Midlands.

Use the checklist below to prepare your car for dealing with wintry conditions.

AA Winter Checklist:

  • Antifreeze – check coolant level and top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze

  • Battery – A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary

  • Fuel – keep a quarter of a tank full in case of any unexpected delays

  • Lights – check all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly

  • Tyres – make sure you have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring.

  • Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Renew worn wiper blades.

  • Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty conditions.

  • Door seals – stop doors freezing with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals.

Winter Emergency Kit:

  • Blanket, rug or sleeping bag

  • Shovel

  • Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help traction on ice or snow

  • Salt, sand or cat litter to help clear snow and ice

  • Reflective jacket

  • Ice scraper and de-icer

  • Torch and batteries

  • Tow rope

  • Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)

  • Battery jump leads

  • Bottled water

  • Snacks in case of a long delay

  • Extra screen wash