There are a number of things I’ve never really had to concern myself with, one of them being what needs to be considered when driving in the winter. This is the first winter I’ve had to think about more than what cute winter coat to buy and whether I need to double up on socks.
I’ve been looking into the ways you need to prepare for driving in the winter and I wanted to share with you some of the top tips I’ve discovered.

1. Check your battery

There are extra demands on your battery during the winter months, like heating and extra light so it’s important to take good care of it and make preparations like turning off electrical loads before trying to start the engine.

2. Get your car serviced

Get a winter am car check. These services are specifically designed to ensure your car is ready for the winter months and is in the best condition to keep you and other road users safe. You can get these checks everywhere, I know a place for getting your car serviced in London.

3. Antifreeze

You need a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in your car for best success. This will protect your car down to – 34 degrees Celsius. Not only does it prevent the water from freezing it also raises the boiling point of engine coolant to prevent overheating so its a good idea to get a long life antifreeze that will benefit you all year round.

4. Check your types

In the run up to bad weather conditions it’s important to make sure your tyres are in good condition. You have to ensure the tread depth is well above the legal minimum. If you live somewhere that have very bad winters you can even get types specifically for winter.

5. Make sure you have cover

If you break down or your car gets stuck you’re going to need roadside assistance, make sure you have cover so you can get out of these situations quickly and inexpensively.

Finally and most importantly drive safely, driving in poor weather conditions can be very difficult and very very dangerous. When there is snow and ice on the ground, only drive when absolutely necessary. Make sure you leave plenty of time so you’re not rushing and to allow for inevitable delays. Plan your journey in advance so you can try your best to stick to major roads that will more likely be cleared of snow. Do a little research and familiarise yourself with some tips and tricks to help you keep safe.