Winter is well on its way and we are traveling for the holidays. As we get excited about the season, the weather is becoming more unpredictable, causing driving to become more challenging, or even dangerous.

Winter driving doesn’t always have to be hazardous if you make sure you are prepared. To help you get ready for winter, car finance experts Zuto have pulled together all the best tips and tricks to help you prepare your car for the worst of weather. Check out these six tips for winterizing your car this year.

• Tip 1: Check Your Tires

  Tires are so important! A good tire will help you stop if you’re in an accident and prevent you from skidding. Winter is approaching, and handling and stopping become more difficult. Check your tires to ensure they are in good condition. Although tires only need a tread depth of 1.6mm, a 3mm depth is safer in winter. A quick and easy way to check this would be to use a 20p coin. The rim of the coin should show up if you insert it into the groove of your tire. Go to your local shop if you see a rim on your coin. Make sure to check this around the entire width of the tire and at several points around the circumference. It may also be worth investing in winter tires if you live in an area particularly prone to ice or snow.

• Tip 2: Pack Your Winter Car Kit

  You can never be too prepared if you break down in the cold and dark months, so keep a winter survival kit handy. It is important to have items such as jumper cables, a mobile phone and battery pack, and a torch that has fully charged batteries. There should also be a blanket, first aid kit, and food with a water bottle or flask. I know this seems like a lot, but it is worth it!

• Tip 3: Service Your Car This Winter

  Just like you get a physical at the doctor, your car needs a physical too. Even though nothing can guarantee your vehicle won’t break down in the winter, having a winter service and maintenance check can help to prevent problems caused by cold weather. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

• Tip 4: Refill Your Fluid

  As temperatures drop, both coolant and washer fluid can freeze, so you’ll need to keep them topped up with anti-freeze. Engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze and you should make sure your winter washer fluid also contains antifreeze.

• Tip 5: Check the Battery

  If your car battery is near the end of its shelf life, a drop in temperature can cause it to fail. This is because the cold weather reduces the output of a battery, so it has to work harder to keep running. In the summer and autumn months, if your battery has become reluctant to start, take it to a local garage before it completely refuses to start on a freezing morning when you’re running late for work.

• Tip 6: Check Your Windsheild

  Those rocks that fall and hit your windshield don’t the highway…now those chips can get worse. Cracks and chips often get worse in the winter months thanks to hail and ice. If your screen has any chips, it’s best to get them fixed or your windsheild replaced before they impair visibility. This is especially important with the upcoming frosty weather.

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