The whole process should only take an hour or so, and the extra level of safety you’ll gain will make it time very well spent.

1) Battery and Electrics

Cold weather puts a lot of extra strain on a battery, so it’s important that it’s in good condition before the challenge of a long winter drive. If you have a battery charge checker, pop open the hood and make sure all is well.

Yet, if you don’t, there’s no need to worry. Simply check that the engine starts quickly and smoothly, and while it’s still running, turn on all the main electrical features, including the exterior lights, the interior heating, and the infotainment system. If everything seems fine with several functions running simultaneously, your battery is almost certainly in good shape.

2) Heating and Defrosting

Next, check that the interior heating and surface defrosting functions are working efficiently. If they seem to take longer than usual to have an effect, they may be developing faults, and a long stretch in slow winter traffic could be the final straw that tips them into failure.

3) Wiper Blades

Heavy snow can reduce visibility even with perfectly working wiper blades, but if they’re worn or damaged, your sight of the road ahead could be dangerously affected. Inspect all blades visually for any cracks or tears, then pour water onto the windshield and check that the wipers sweep it away with little or no smearing.

4) Washer Reservoir and Antifreeze

Next, check that your windscreen washer reservoir is fully topped up and includes the correct amount of antifreeze.

5) Oil Changes

Check when your vehicle last had an oil change. Older oil is even less efficient in the winter cold, so if the last change was a while ago, try and arrange one before you set off on your journey.

6) Coolant

Similarly, ensure your car’s coolant system was flushed and refilled within the last two years. If not, schedule an appointment if possible to be on the safe side.

7) Exhaust

Your exhaust system should be regularly inspected as part of a service schedule, but there’s a quick check you can do for yourself. Simply drive your car onto your driveway or roadside and sit with the engine running and the windows closed for around five minutes.

If you notice any exhaust smells in the cabin, there could be a leak which would be especially dangerous if you’re stuck in stationary traffic for a long period. If you have any doubts, arrange a service check to put your mind at rest.

8) Emergency Kit

Lastly, even the best-maintained vehicles can break down occasionally, and you could also be stranded purely through a combination of weather and traffic conditions. If the worst happens, you’ll be glad of an emergency winter kit in your trunk. Pack drinking water, blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, high-energy food bars, snow-clearing tools, and any essential medication to help you stay safe and comfortable if your journey is interrupted.

Following these steps will help make your trip trouble-free. But the best way to ensure that your vehicle runs safely and reliably is to have it checked over by an expert auto technician. Book a service appointment by clicking the button below, and rest easy that your car is up to the challenge of any weather conditions you’ll meet this winter.