Winter Car Checklist for Kent Drivers
Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent
A good winter car checklist covers your tyres, battery, coolant, oil, lights, wipers and screenwash, plus an emergency kit in the boot. You can do most of it yourself on your driveway. Some of it is also the law, such as clean lights, clear windows and at least 1.6mm of tyre tread.
Frosty mornings, wet roads and dark commutes all ask more of your car. Here is what to check, and why.
Your winter car checklist
The RAC uses the word FORCES to help drivers remember the key checks: fuel, oil, rubber, coolant, electrics and screenwash. We have used the same ideas below, with a few extras.
1. Tyres: tread and pressure
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm, across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round. Using a car with defective tyres can mean 3 penalty points per offence.
The RAC recommends at least 3mm of tread for icy or very wet conditions, and replacing tyres before they reach the legal limit. A quick test is the 20p coin: put it in the main grooves, and if you cannot see the outer band, you are above the legal limit.
Check pressures too, using the figures in your handbook or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
2. Battery
According to the RAC, battery problems cause more of its winter call-outs than anything else. Cold weather makes a weak battery more likely to let you down. Batteries need replacing every few years depending on use.
Warning signs include a clicking noise when you turn the key, or the car struggling to start. If your car is hard to start, read our guide on why a car won’t start.
3. Coolant and antifreeze
The Highway Code advises making sure there are suitable anti-freeze agents in your radiator before winter. Check the level only when the engine is cold. It should sit between the min and max marks on the tank.
A sudden drop in coolant is not normal and should be checked by a mechanic. If your temperature gauge climbs or a temperature warning light comes on, stop as soon as it is safe and switch off.
4. Engine oil
Check the dipstick on level ground with the engine off and cool. Top up with the oil specified in your handbook, and do not overfill. If you are due an oil change, winter is a good time to get it done. Our car service checklist explains what a service covers.
5. Lights
Walk round the car and check every light and indicator, including brake lights and the number plate light. The Highway Code says lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must be kept clean and clear.
6. Wipers and screenwash
Run the washers and watch the wipers clear the screen. Run a finger along each blade and look for splits. The RAC suggests replacing wiper blades every 12 months.
Top up with a screenwash that works down to at least -15°C. The Highway Code also advises anti-freeze in your windscreen bottle, as plain water can freeze.
7. Brakes
Wet and icy roads are the worst time to find out your brakes are worn. Listen for squealing or grinding, and notice if the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels different. Our post on brake pad warning signs explains what to look for. If your brakes feel wrong, do not keep driving on them.
8. Fuel
Winter traffic and delays use more fuel. The RAC advises keeping enough in the tank for your journey in case the weather turns and it takes longer than expected.
9. Warning lights
Never ignore a dashboard warning light just because the car still drives. Some mean stop now. Our guide to dashboard warning lights explains which ones are urgent.
10. Emergency kit
The Highway Code suggests carrying a de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, a first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel. It also suggests a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck.
What the law says about winter driving
The Highway Code is clear on a few points. Before you set off you must be able to see, so you must clear all snow and ice from all your windows. Your lights must be clean and your number plates clearly visible. You should demist the windows thoroughly and remove any snow that might fall into the path of other road users.
On icy roads, stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads. Leave plenty of space to the car in front.
Front and rear fog lights must only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, and switched off when it improves.
Need a service or brakes doing?
Servicing, pads, discs and fluids done on your driveway across East Kent.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
How we can help
If you would rather not do these checks yourself, we can do them for you at your home or workplace. We are a mobile mechanic based in Aylesham, covering Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and nearby villages.
Before winter, we can carry out an interim or full service, change the oil and filters, check your brakes and replace pads or discs if needed. If something is not working as it should, such as a slow start or a warning light, we can come out and diagnose the cause, then tell you what it needs.
Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job, and parts are extra. We agree the price with you on WhatsApp before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal tyre tread depth in winter?
It is the same all year: at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. The RAC recommends at least 3mm for icy or very wet roads.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on my car?
The Highway Code says you must clear all snow and ice from your windows and keep lights and number plates clean and visible. You should also remove snow that could fall into the path of other road users.
When should I do my winter car checks?
Before the first frosts, and then regularly through winter. The RAC recommends checking tyres every fortnight and before long journeys.
Can I just use water in my screenwash?
It is better not to. Use a screenwash rated to at least -15°C, as the Highway Code advises anti-freeze in your windscreen bottle.
Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.
Areas we cover: based in Aylesham, we come to you in Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Walmer, Sandwich and Ash, Folkestone, Wingham, Bridge and Barham, Shepherdswell, and Adisham. See all areas.
Need a service or brakes doing?
Message us on WhatsApp with your reg and postcode for a price before any work starts.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
Related guides
Sources
The Highway Code: Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237) (GOV.UK)
The Highway Code: Annex 6, vehicle maintenance, safety and security (GOV.UK)
Penalty points (endorsements): endorsement codes and penalty points (GOV.UK)
6 simple checks to prepare your vehicle for winter (Met Office, with the RAC)
