Winter car checklist: 7 checks to do before the cold sets in

Quick answer: before winter, check your battery, tyres, lights, wipers and screenwash, coolant (antifreeze), brakes and heater. These are the parts that fail most when it turns cold, wet and dark. Most take five minutes to check at home. If you'd rather we do it, our free car health check covers them at our Bury workshop, with no obligation.

The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, and from then on most of us drive to and from work in the dark. Cold mornings are hard on batteries, wet roads find out worn tyres, and a smeared windscreen in low sun is a real danger. Here's what to check, how to check it, and when it's time to get a mechanic involved.

1. Battery: the number one winter breakdown

Cold weather slows the chemical reaction inside a car battery, so it delivers less power just when the engine needs more to start. Short journeys in winter, with lights, heater and heated screen all on, also mean the battery rarely gets fully recharged.

• Warning signs: the engine turns over slowly, dashboard lights dim when you start, or the battery light comes on.
• Age: most car batteries last around four to five years. If yours is older, have it tested before the first frost.
• What we do: we test the battery and the charging system, so you know whether it's the battery or the alternator. See battery and electrical repairs.

2. Tyres: tread depth and pressure

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. That's the legal limit, not a safe one for winter. Grip in the wet drops off noticeably below about 3mm, so we recommend changing tyres before they get that low.

• The 20p test: put a 20p coin into the main grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread may be close to the limit, so get it checked.
• Pressure: tyre pressure drops as temperatures fall. Check it monthly when the tyres are cold, using the figures in your handbook or inside the driver's door.
• Look for: cuts, bulges and uneven wear. Uneven wear often means the wheel alignment is out. See tyres and wheel alignment.

3. Lights: see and be seen

With more driving in the dark, every bulb matters. Walk round the car with the lights on, or ask someone to help with the brake lights.

• Check headlights (dipped and main beam), sidelights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights and the number plate light.
• Clean the lenses. Dirty or cloudy headlights can cut the light reaching the road.
• A blown bulb can get you stopped by the police, and it's also an MOT failure.

4. Wipers and screenwash

Low winter sun on a smeared windscreen can leave you almost blind for a moment. Wiper blades harden and split over time, especially after a hot summer.

• Replace blades that streak, judder or leave gaps. As a rule of thumb, change them once a year.
• Top up with a proper winter screenwash that won't freeze. Plain water can freeze in the bottle and lines.
• Never pour hot water on a frozen windscreen. The sudden change in temperature can crack the glass.

5. Coolant (antifreeze)

Coolant stops the water in your engine from freezing, and frozen coolant can crack an engine block or radiator. It also protects against corrosion.

• With the engine cold, check the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank.
• Most cars need around a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. The right type depends on your car, so check the handbook.
• If the level keeps dropping, there may be a leak. Get it checked before it causes overheating.

6. Brakes

Wet and icy roads already make stopping distances longer, so you need your brakes at their best.

• Listen for squealing or grinding, and notice if the car pulls to one side when you brake.
• A spongy or soft pedal needs looking at straight away.
• Our brake service includes a full inspection of pads, discs and brake fluid.

7. Heater, air conditioning and demisting

A misted-up windscreen is one of the most common winter frustrations. Your air conditioning is the fastest way to clear it, because it dries the air, so it's worth keeping in good working order all year.

• If the heater blows cold or the windows won't clear, it can point to a coolant, thermostat or blower problem.
• If the air con smells musty or doesn't clear the screen quickly, it may need a regas. See air conditioning regas and repair.

Pack a winter car kit

If you do get stuck, a few basics make a big difference: an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, a warm coat and blanket, a phone charger, water and a snack, jump leads, and a high-visibility vest.

Before you set off on a frosty morning

The Highway Code (rule 229) says you must be able to see out of every window. Clear all the glass, mirrors, lights and number plates of ice and snow, and brush snow off the roof so it doesn't slide onto the windscreen when you brake.

When to book a winter check

If your car is due a service, now is a good time: an interim service or a full service covers most of this list as standard. If a warning light is already on, book a car diagnostic so we can read the fault codes rather than guess.

Not sure where to start? Book our free car health check. We'll check the essentials and tell you what needs attention now, what can wait, and how much it costs, before any work starts. We're on Wash Lane, Bury BL9 6AS, and see drivers from across the area, including Ramsbottom, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich.

Winter car check: common questions

When should I get my car checked for winter?

Ideally in October or early November, before the first frosts. Problems with batteries and tyres are much easier to fix before they leave you stranded.

What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK?

1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the whole circumference. For better grip in wet and winter conditions, many experts recommend replacing tyres at about 3mm.

How do I know if my car battery is going to fail?

Slow starting, dim lights when you turn the key, and a battery warning light are the usual signs. A battery over four or five years old is worth testing before winter.

Can I use water instead of screenwash in winter?

It's best not to. Water can freeze in the bottle and pipes, and it doesn't clean road grime as well. Use a winter screenwash rated for low temperatures.

Does H2 Mechanics do free winter checks in Bury?

Yes. Our free car health check covers the main winter essentials, including battery, tyres, lights, wipers, fluids and brakes, at our workshop on Wash Lane, Bury. There's no obligation, and we'll explain anything we find before any work is done.