Preparing Your Car for Autumn & Winter: Safety Tips Every Driver Should Know
- Ansa
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, it’s more important than ever to make sure your car is winter-ready. Colder weather, shorter daylight hours, and wet or icy roads increase risk. Here are a few safety tips every driver should know to keep themselves and other drivers on the road safe, plus maintenance checks and what to do if trouble strikes.
Key Checks & Maintenance
Tyres & Tread: What is the minimum tyre tread UK?
The legal minimum tyre tread in the UK is 1.6 mm, but well above that is safer in wet/slippery conditions. Inspect for cuts or bulges. Make sure tyre pressures are correct - cold air lowers pressure, which worsens grip and can increase chance of punctures.
Battery Health: How do I know if my car battery is healthy?
Batteries are more likely to fail when it’s cold. If your battery is old or struggling to turn over in chilly mornings, get it tested. Replace if necessary to avoid being stranded.
Lights, Wipers & Visibility: Make sure all exterior lights work (headlights, brake lights, indicators). Replace wiper blades if worn and ensure windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures. Clean off snow, ice, grime from windows, mirrors, number plates.
Fluids & Heating: Top up coolant (anti-freeze), engine oil, brake fluid and other vital fluids. Make sure your heating system and demisters / defrosters are working properly so you can clear ice/fog quickly. If you don't know how to do this, give us a call and we'll do it for you!
Service & MOT: How to find out if my car has an MOT? Regular servicing keeps your car in good shape. Importantly, ensure your MOT is up to date. If you’re unsure whether your MOT is valid, check via the official government tool at https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status. Any advisories or failed items, especially relating to tyres, brakes or lights, are risks in winter - get them sorted before poor weather.
What to Do If You Get a Puncture in the Winter?
Pull over safely and turn hazard lights on.
Use gloves, a torch, and a warning triangle.
Change to a spare wheel, use a tyre repair kit if you have one or call us!
After repair or replacement, check the new tyre’s pressure and condition often.
Extra Safety Tips
Carry a car Emergency Kit: warm blanket, torch with spare batteries, first-aid kit, ice scraper, de-icer, high-visibility vest.
Keep fuel tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze and to ensure you have warmth if stranded.
Adjust your driving: slower speeds, leave more stopping distance, avoid sudden braking or steering.
Why Using a Trusted Garage Matters
Keeping up with servicing and MOT isn’t just legal, it can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Using a professional garage ensures that checks on brakes, tyres, lights, battery etc are done correctly. If you need to get your car serviced or MOT’d, trust one with good reviews and proper accreditation like Ansa.
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