Home › Guides › Winter car checklist

Winter car checklist

Updated October 2026

Most winter breakdowns are avoidable with a few checks in October or November.

Screenwash

Plain water freezes and doesn't shift road salt. Use a screenwash rated to at least -10°C, mixed as the label says, and keep a spare bottle in the boot.

Antifreeze (coolant)

Check the level when the engine is cold, between the min and max marks. Use the type your handbook specifies; mixing types can cause problems.

Battery and tyres

Batteries fail most often in the first cold snap. Tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread by law, but 3 mm is much safer in winter.

Winter car kit

Ice scraper and de-icer
Torch and spare batteries
Blanket, water and snacks
Phone charger
Jump leads

Parts you'll need

Order online for delivery, or click and collect from a local GSF branch, often within the hour.

Some links on this page are affiliate links to GSF Car Parts: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our advice.

Need help?

Use the form to send a free enquiry. We'll pass it to an independent local car repair and servicing provider.