Everything You Need to Know About Winter Car Checks
FixMyCar explains the benefits of a winter car check and what's included.
Book a vehicle health checkEllie Dyer-Brown
Monday January 15 2024
3 min read
You wouldn’t set off on a camping trip without checking that you had all the necessary equipment and that it was in good working order. Likewise, you shouldn’t enter the harsh winter months without ensuring your car is fully prepared for what lies ahead. That’s where winter car checks come in.
What is a winter car check?
During a winter car check, also known as a winter health check, a mechanic or trained professional checks various parts of your car to ensure they can withstand harsh driving conditions, such as snow, sleet and ice. Booking a winter car check gives you peace of mind when the bad weather arrives.
It isn't a legal requirement to have a winter car check. However, it helps you keep on top of car maintenance, making your vehicle more likely to pass its MOT, which is a legal requirement.
What are the benefits of a winter car check?
The two most important benefits are...
Safety
Getting your car checked helps to make sure that you and your passengers are as safe as possible because your car is in good health.
Prevention
By examining your car, it’s possible to catch any problems early, before they deteriorate further and become more expensive to fix (not to mention more dangerous).
What's included in a winter car check?
Below is a list of things a winter health check should include.
Battery
Brakes
Tyres
Lights
Windscreen wipers
Engine oil
Screenwash
Cooling system and antifreeze
Battery
Plummeting temperatures put extra strain on your battery. Your battery's optimisation will be tested to make sure it is secured properly and charged.
Tyres
In winter, it's even more important for your tyres to be in good shape to cope with water, snow and ice on the roads. Your tread depth and pressure will be checked, as will the integrity of the tyres, making sure they are free from cracks and punctures.
Lights
Headlights and taillights are used more during winter as the days get shorter. It's vital that you can see the road ahead and other road users can see you.
Windscreen wipers
Again, your wipers see a lot more action in winter and can quickly get worn down.
Engine oil
Too much or too little oil can damage your engine, so it's important to check your oil level regularly.
Cooling system and antifreeze
Checking the cooling system allows problems to be identified early. And as the temperature drops, antifreeze plays an important role in making sure engine parts aren't damaged by the cold.
Screenwash
Having functioning windscreen wipers isn't enough - you also need a good amount of screenwash in the system, especially since dirt from wet, gritted roads finds its way onto your windscreen as you drive.
How much does a winter car check cost?
The average price of a winter check is £39.96, according to FixMyCar's data.
| Car Make | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £36.61 |
| BMW | £29.23 |
| Citroen | £44.72 |
| Ford | £34.39 |
| Honda | £36.29 |
| Hyundai | £30.87 |
| KIA | £35.77 |
| Nissan | £41.26 |
| Mercedes | £30.56 |
| Peugeot | £42.36 |
| Renault | £85.00 |
| SEAT | £36.50 |
| Toyota | £40.80 |
| Vauxhall | £44.29 |
| Volkswagen | £45.82 |
| Volvo | £51.53 |
Book a winter health check now
With bad weather imminent, now's the time to make sure your car is ready for whatever comes its way. FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
- Related topics:
- Maintenance
- Servicing And Mot
- Vehicle Health Check
- Winter Check
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.