Essential Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

As temperatures drop and the roads get wetter and icier, winter can be hard on your car. Preparing early helps prevent breakdowns and ensures your vehicle remains reliable all season long.
At Trevor Burgess Volvo, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you keep your car safe and performing at its best through the colder months.

1. Check Your Battery

Cold weather reduces battery efficiency. Have your battery tested — if it’s over three years old, consider replacing it.
Clean terminals, check for corrosion, and make sure the charging system is healthy.

2. Inspect Tyres and Tread

Good tyres are essential for grip in wet and icy conditions.

• Minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm, but 3 mm or more is safer in winter.

• Check tyre pressure regularly — it drops in cold weather.

• If you drive in snow or frost-prone areas, consider winter or all-season tyres.

3. Top Up Fluids

• Use antifreeze/coolant rated for freezing temperatures.

• Ensure your windscreen washer fluid has winter protection (–20 °C or better).

• Check oil level and brake fluid — both are critical for performance and safety.

4. Check Wipers and Lights

Visibility is everything in winter. Replace old wiper blades and clean your headlight lenses.
Check all bulbs — particularly brake and fog lights — and replace any dim or failed ones immediately.

5. Brakes and Suspension

Winter roads are tougher on your suspension and brakes.
Have them checked for uneven wear, corrosion, and proper fluid levels before the worst weather sets in.

Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

Include essentials like:

• Ice scraper & de-icer

• Blanket, gloves, high-vis jacket

• Torch & extra batteries

• Jump leads & tyre inflator

• Bottled water and snacks

✅ Stay Safe This Winter

Book your winter car check with Trevor Burgess Volvo today.
Our experienced technicians will make sure your vehicle is ready for the colder months — giving you peace of mind wherever you drive.