Planning a long drive this autumn or winter? Before you set off, make sure your car is ready for the challenges of cold-weather motoring. This winter road trip checklist covers everything you need to prepare your vehicle for safe, stress-free journeys – from essential maintenance checks to must-have emergency kit items.
Why Winter Car Prep Matters!
Winter driving in the UK brings its own set of challenges:
Shorter days mean more time driving in the dark.
Icy roads and frost can make braking distances longer.
Poor visibility from rain, snow, or mist can make hazards harder to spot.
Cold starts put extra strain on your battery and engine.
Meeting MOT standards is a legal requirement, but for winter driving safety, it’s wise to go above and beyond. Whether you’re preparing your car for a Winter trip, your daily commute or an Autumn road trip, a thorough check before you travel can save you from breakdowns, delays, and costly repairs.
Winter Road Trip Checklist
1. Check Your Car Battery
Cold weather can zap the strength from older batteries. Signs of trouble include slow engine turnover or dim interior lights. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before a big trip. Carrying a spare can also be a lifesaver. 🔗 Shop Car Batteries
2. Inspect Your Lights & Bulbs
With darker evenings and foggy mornings, fully functioning lights are essential. Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lamps. Replace any blown or dim bulbs before you travel. 🔗Browse Bulbs
3. Wiper Blades & Screen Wash
Clear vision is critical in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. Replace streaky or split wiper blades and top up your screen wash with a winter-ready antifreeze mix to prevent freezing. 🔗 Find Wiper Blades
4. Antifreeze & Fluids
Antifreeze protects your engine from freezing and corrosion. Check your coolant level and top up if needed. Also, check oil and brake fluid levels to ensure your car runs smoothly. 🔗 Shop Antifreeze & Coolants
5. Tyres & Pressure
The legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but in winter, more tread means better grip. Consider switching to winter tyres for long journeys. Check tyre pressure and inspect for cuts or bulges. You can do this by purchasing a Tyre Tread Depth Gauge or by heading to How To Check Your Tyre Tread Depth
6. Emergency Kit Essentials
Pack a winter-ready kit including:
Torch (with spare batteries)
Warm blanket
Jump leads
Ice scraper & de-icer
First aid kit
This means that if the worst does happen, you won’t be left cold and unprepared. Having these essentials in your car can make all the difference if you end up stranded due to breakdowns, severe weather, or road closures.
Common Winter Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid
Setting off without checking battery health
Ignoring low screen wash or antifreeze levels
Driving with worn wipers or faulty bulbs
Overloading the car and skipping tyre checks
Final Checks Before You Set Off
Before you hit the road, run through this quick reminder list:
✅ Bulbs working
✅ Battery charged
✅ Wipers in good condition
✅ Antifreeze topped up
✅ Tyres safe and inflated
✅ Emergency kit packed
For peace of mind, order quality parts from GSF before your trip – so you can enjoy the journey without worrying about your car. With over 200 stores across the UK, you can click and collect your parts in as little as 30 minutes, or have them delivered to your door for FREE on orders over £25. Shop online now at www.gsfcarparts.com.
