As winter approaches, many of us are focused on staying warm and cosy indoors. However, our cars also need some attention to handle the colder, darker months. It’s easy to overlook basic car checks when the weather turns, but doing so can lead to more than just inconvenience. It could impact your safety and even your insurance cover.
Research suggests that a significant number of drivers are not preparing their vehicles for winter conditions. This oversight can have serious consequences. Insurers might question the safety of your vehicle if you need to make a claim after an incident. Driving with illegal tyres, for example, can lead to fines and penalty points, and it could complicate any insurance claim. Similarly, poor visibility due to smeared windscreens or empty screenwash could be viewed as avoidable by insurers if an accident occurs. Not clearing ice and snow properly before driving is also a safety hazard and could weaken your position with your insurer.
The statistics paint a clear picture: many drivers are heading into winter unprepared. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 7,673 casualties in Great Britain from accidents where ice or snow were contributing factors. Darkness also plays a significant role, with 40% of all accidents occurring in darkness during November and December, compared to just 20% in summer. These figures highlight the increased risks associated with winter driving. Here’s what you actually need to know.
Preparing Your Car for Winter Conditions
Ensuring your car is in a roadworthy condition is not just a recommendation; it’s a legal responsibility. This means making sure all your lights are working, your windscreens and mirrors are clear, and your tyres are legal and safe. For winter driving, this takes on even greater importance. The reduced daylight hours and often poor weather conditions mean that visibility is key. Faulty lights, for instance, are not only dangerous but could invalidate your insurance if you’re involved in an accident, as it might be seen as negligence.
If I were in this situation, I’d make a point of checking my car’s lights, wipers, and screenwash before the first frost. This proactive step helps ensure I can see and be seen, reducing the risk of an accident and potential insurance issues.
Why Winter Car Checks Are Essential for Insurers
Skipping essential winter checks on your car might not automatically void your insurance policy. However, it can certainly complicate things if you need to make a claim. Insurers may scrutinise the condition of your vehicle, especially if a lack of maintenance contributed to an incident. For example, driving with tyres that don’t meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, or even the recommended 3mm for winter, could lead to your insurance claim being rejected due to safety concerns. This is because inadequate tread in icy conditions significantly increases the risk of skidding and accidents.
Visibility is another area insurers will look at. If an accident occurs and it’s found that your windscreen was smeared or your screenwash was empty, they might consider this an avoidable issue. This could weaken your claim. Similarly, not clearing ice or snow properly before driving can lead to fines and, in the event of a collision, may weaken your position with your insurer. It’s about demonstrating that you took reasonable steps to ensure your vehicle was safe to drive.
Car batteries are also a common point of failure in winter. They are 60% more likely to fail in winter than in summer due to reduced capacity in cold weather. A dead battery can leave you stranded and potentially incur breakdown costs. While not directly related to a claim, a vehicle that is not roadworthy due to a failed battery could still raise questions with an insurer.
My first move would be to check my car battery’s age and condition. If it’s more than three years old or showing signs of weakness, I’d consider getting it tested or replaced before the coldest weather hits. This avoids a potential breakdown and ensures I’m not caught out.
Common Winter Driving Mistakes and Their Consequences
Driving with Illegal or Worn Tyres
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is driving with tyres that are worn or have insufficient tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for winter driving, especially in icy or snowy conditions, a minimum of 3mm is strongly recommended for adequate grip. Tyres with less tread are far more likely to skid, increasing the risk of an accident. If an accident occurs and your tyres are found to be below the recommended winter standard, your insurance claim could be rejected due to safety concerns.
Neglecting Visibility Checks
Poor visibility is a major hazard in winter. Many drivers fail to properly clear ice and snow from their windscreens and windows. Some even resort to pouring boiling water over a windscreen, which can cause it to crack. Using an ice scraper and ensuring you have adequate winter screenwash is crucial. Insurers may view a lack of clear visibility as an avoidable factor if an accident happens, potentially affecting your claim. Driving with smeared windscreens or empty screenwash could be seen as negligence.
Leaving the Engine Running to De-ice
A quarter of Brits admit to leaving their cars running to de-ice screens. This is a risky practice for several reasons. Firstly, most car insurance policies exclude thefts of vehicles while the engine is still running, leaving you liable for the loss. Secondly, leaving a vehicle running and unattended on a public highway is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, known as ‘quitting’. If your car is stolen in this situation, you may not be able to make an insurance claim.
If I were in this situation, I would never leave my car running unattended to de-ice. Instead, I’d use an ice scraper and de-icer spray, and only drive once the windscreen is completely clear. This avoids the risk of theft and potential insurance issues.
Driving Through Floodwater
A fifth of drivers have driven through floodwater or a ford during wetter winter conditions. This is extremely dangerous. Driving through floodwater can cause irreparable damage to your engine and electrics. Crucially, it could result in motorists being unable to make a claim on their insurance policy, leaving them liable for all repair costs. It’s always best to avoid flooded areas and find an alternative route.
The table below highlights some common winter car checks and the percentage of drivers who perform them, according to research.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Car Check | Percentage of Drivers Performing Check |
|---|---|
| Tyre Check | 36% |
| Ice Scraper | 26% |
| Antifreeze Top-up | 26% |
| Wiper Blade Check | 25% |
| Oil Check | 23% |
| Winter Screenwash | 20% |
| Battery Check | 19% |
| Emergency Kit | 14% |
Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving: A Step-by-Step Guide
Check Your Tyres
Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, making them critical, especially in winter. Ensure your tyre pressure is correct for your vehicle, as cold weather can reduce it. More importantly, check the tread depth. While the legal minimum is 1.6mm, for winter driving, at least 3mm is recommended for optimal grip. Worn tyres significantly increase the risk of skidding on wet, icy, or snowy surfaces. If you have winter tyres, now is the time to fit them. If not, ensure your all-season tyres are in good condition and have adequate tread.
Ensure Clear Visibility
Good visibility is paramount when driving in winter. Before setting off, always clear all ice and snow from your windscreen, windows, and mirrors. Don’t forget your headlights and taillights. Use a good quality ice scraper and de-icer spray. Top up your screenwash with a winter formula that won’t freeze and has cleaning properties to deal with road salt and grime. Check that your wiper blades are in good condition and effectively clear the screen. Smears or poor wiping can significantly reduce visibility, especially at night or in heavy rain.
Prepare Your Battery and Lights
Car batteries are significantly more likely to fail in cold weather. A battery that’s several years old or has been struggling might give up entirely in the winter months. If your battery is old, consider having it tested. Ensure your car lights are working correctly, as darkness falls much earlier in winter. Faulty lights are not only a safety risk but can also lead to insurance issues if they contribute to an accident. Check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators.
Pack an Emergency Kit
It’s wise to have a breakdown or emergency kit in your car for winter. This could include a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, jump leads, a basic toolkit, a first-aid kit, a torch, and a fully charged mobile phone power bank. Some kits also include essentials like warm gloves, a blanket, and a high-visibility jacket. Having these items can be invaluable if you break down or get stuck in adverse conditions.
In that case, I’d want to assemble a basic emergency kit. This would include a warning triangle, a hi-vis vest, and jump leads, as these are the most common items needed for roadside assistance.
For added peace of mind and to document your journeys, consider a dash cam. The Garmin Dash Cam X110 offers 4K recording, a wide-angle lens, and GPS, helping to capture crucial details in case of an incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Car Preparedness
What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK? ▾
Can skipping winter car checks invalidate my insurance? ▾
Why are car batteries more likely to fail in winter? ▾
Is it illegal to leave a car running unattended? ▾
What should I include in a winter emergency kit? ▾
Taking a few simple steps to prepare your car for winter can make a significant difference. It helps ensure your safety on the road, avoids potential fines, and can prevent complications with your insurance claims. By checking your tyres, ensuring clear visibility, preparing your battery, and packing an emergency kit, you can drive with greater confidence throughout the colder months.
If this was useful, you might also want to read Key Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance in the UK.
Sources and Further Reading
Is your car prepared for bad weather? — Which.co.uk, 2023.
Winter Driving UK Safety Tips — Brumble.co.uk.
Costly winter car mistakes — Aviva.co.uk.
Key Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance in the UK — BritWealth.com — Understanding what influences your car insurance premiums is crucial for managing costs.
The Ultimate Guide to Car Insurance No-Claims Bonus in the UK — BritWealth.com — Learn how to protect your no-claims discount, which can significantly lower your insurance costs.
