Start with tyres
Tyres are your only contact with the road, so condition and pressure matter even more in cold and wet weather. Check tread, look for damage and make sure pressures match the manufacturer's recommendation. If you regularly drive in colder or rural areas, consider whether all-season or winter tyres suit your use.
Give the battery some attention
Cold weather can expose a weak 12-volt battery. Slow starting, dim lights during start-up or repeated battery warnings are worth investigating before a cold morning leaves you stranded. On electric and hybrid cars, the conventional 12-volt battery is still important for many vehicle systems.
Improve visibility
Replace worn wiper blades, top up screenwash with a suitable winter mix and clean the inside of the windscreen. Check headlights, brake lights, indicators and number-plate lights. Being able to see and be seen is one of the simplest winter safety improvements.
Check fluids and cooling
Coolant needs the correct antifreeze concentration, not just enough liquid in the reservoir. If you are unsure when it was last changed, ask a garage to check it. Also keep an eye on oil level and any signs of leaks.
Carry a few sensible essentials
A warm layer, torch, phone charging cable, scraper and basic first-aid kit take up little space. For longer winter journeys, especially in rural areas, a little preparation can turn a delay into a minor inconvenience rather than a major problem.
