Winter vehicle health check

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Close up of car tyres in winter.

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£39.96

Average quote for a winter health check

Winter Health Check

When the nights start to draw in and the temperature drops, the risk of breaking down or being involved in a road accident increases. Fortunately, there’s a way to reduce that risk: by booking a winter health check.

Winter health checks are even more important than routine car inspections because they ensure your vehicle is safe for the challenging winter season, when vital components, like the battery, experience more strain. Booking a winter health check allows you to catch problems early - before they leave you stranded by an icy roadside.

How much is a winter health check?

Some vehicle health checks are free, usually if other work is being done to your car, but if you want to take your vehicle in for a standalone check up, there will be a small cost.

The average cost of a winter health check booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £39.96. 

The table below shows the average price for some of the most popular car manufacturers.

Car MakeAverage 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

  • Vehicle health check

    The average cost of a vehicle health check booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £39.96. A vehicle health check is a visual check of your car's components in-between the major service intervals. During a vehicle health check, a mechanic will check the different oils and fluids in your car to make sure they’re topped up and doing their job correctly.

    Can include
    • Visual inspection
    • Fluid and oil check
    • Car fluid top-ups
    • Repair recommendation
  • Full service

    The average cost of a full service booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £194.92. A full service involves up to 67 different checks of the efficiency and performance of your car and its components, followed by a recommendation of any repairs. It usually takes between 3-5 hours and should be carried out once per year. A full service will include checks and top-ups of the different oils and fluids your car needs including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid.

    Can include
    • Vehicle inspection
    • Component and system testing
    • Oil and fluid top-ups
    • Repair recommendations
  • Car tyre fitting

    The average cost of a car tyre fitting booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £75.07. If your car needs its tyres changed and you’re not confident doing it yourself, a mechanic can fit new tyres at a local garage. They’ll also make sure that they’re well secured and tracking correctly.

    Can include
    • Tyre change
    • Tyre fitting
    • Tyre tracking check
    • Wheels balanced

What’s included in a winter health check?

A winter health check covers your car's most important components, particularly those affected by plummeting temperatures.

Battery

Cold weather affects the chemical processes inside your car battery, reducing its holding charge. That’s why cars often suffer from flat batteries during winter. The winter health check technician will certify that your battery is charged, secured and working as it should.

Tyres

It’s even more critical that your tyres are in good condition when there’s ice on the road. They will be checked for signs of wear, such as bulges and cracks, and their pressure and tread depth will also be measured.

Coolant

Coolant plays a dual role, keeping your engine cool and stopping it from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. The technician will check your coolant level and strength.

Lights

Working lights on your vehicle are a legal requirement, and they become even more essential in winter when there are fewer daylight hours. Faulty or broken bulbs will be identified, and a replacement will be recommended.

Windscreen wipers & washing system

Damaged wiper blades aren’t as effective at removing snow, rain and debris from the windscreen, causing a severe hazard. If there are any signs of wear or damage, they should be replaced. The technician will also check your screenwash level and top up as needed.

Engine oil

One of the most important checks is your engine oil level. Too much can be almost as damaging as too little, and the last thing you want to happen when it’s freezing outside is to break down because you’ve run out. 

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive check, it’s worth considering whether to book a full or interim service. A full service consists of around 60 checks and includes maintenance like an oil change for no extra cost. This guide discusses the differences between servicing and vehicle health checks.

Benefits of a winter health check

Safety and prevention are the two most important benefits of a winter health check. A survey by Admiral revealed that 23% of Brits have been involved in a car accident after driving in extreme winter weather - a statistic that may be lower if more cars underwent regular health checks.

Many drivers book an annual winter health check because it gives them peace of mind. There’s no need to worry about whether your car’s components are struggling or an expensive repair bill is brewing. You can drive stress-free, knowing you’ve done everything possible to identify and fix problems early.

Another benefit is that a winter health check could save you money. Prevention is better than cure and often cheaper, too. The longer you leave a fault, the worse it usually gets and the more damage it can cause.

This guide contains more information about winter health checks and why they matter.

What impacts the price of a winter health check?

The price of a winter health check is determined by a variety of things, including:

  • The make and model of your car.

  • How many checks are performed.

  • Whether any additional work is needed.

  • Your location.

The technician carrying out your health check should consult you about any problems and discuss potential repairs. Whether you go through with them is entirely up to you. You could even shop around and take your car elsewhere for the repair if you find a better quote.

It’s always a good idea to compare prices.

Learn more about servicing

How much is a winter health check?

On average, a winter health check booked through WhoCanFixMyCar costs £39.96.

What’s the difference between a winter health check and a service?

Neither winter health checks nor services are mandatory; they are optional, but there are essential differences between them. While a winter health check takes around 15 minutes and includes visual inspections, a service is more comprehensive, taking a few hours, often including replacing parts (such as spark plugs) and topping up fluids. 

Take a look at this guide for more information about the differences between health checks and servicing.

How often do you need a winter health check?

It’s a good idea to book a winter health check once a year before the cold weather sets in, especially if you’re driving an older or high-mileage car. 

Winter health checks are not a legal requirement, unlike your annual MOT. It’s worth mentioning that booking a winter check could help you pass your MOT by identifying problems before they become serious, giving you time to arrange a repair and ensure your car is in the best condition to pass.

Is a winter health check worth it?

The answer to this question varies. For motorists who feel anxious about driving in winter and who worry about breaking down, booking a winter health check could boost your confidence.

Likewise, if your vehicle is older and has covered many miles, arranging an annual health check may help extend its life by keeping on top of maintenance and identifying potential issues, making it well worth the money.

Drivers with newer, low-mileage cars who follow a regular servicing schedule may find that booking a health check isn’t worth it since interim and annual servicing covers all bases. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What is a five point check?

Car health checks come with various names and may be marketed as a five or ten point check. The principle of a five point check is the same as a winter health check: to inspect your vehicle and ensure it is safe. 

A five point check typically includes examining your car’s fluid levels, wiper blades, battery, tyres and lights.

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