Winter Driving Guide

The best way to drive safely during the winter months is to be well prepared.

Let’s start with everything you should have in your car over winter. As well as warm clothes, blankets and sturdy boots, you’ll also want a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel and the all-important ice-scraper. The Halfords Winter Kit includes an ice-scraper and is a great value bundle for keeping your car clear of snow and ice in the winter. Products like these powerful, long lasting Hot Hands hand warmers are a good idea for keeping in the car too. It is sensible to be ready for the worst.

It’s also worth making sure that your screenwash is topped up with anti-freeze for the colder months. The stronger the concentration, the less chance of it freezing. Also, keeping some de-icer handy makes clearing your frozen windscreen and windows so much easier.

We also recommend investing in a pair of snow socks for your tyres. Our snow socks let you drive and brake with precision and stability on snow or ice, even over relatively long distances on roads where there are patches of clear tarmac. These socks come in a range of sizes, and they’re the perfect alternative for cars where snow chains aren’t feasible because there’s not enough room between the wheel and the car body.

Before each journey, it’s a good idea to go through the POWDERY checklist. The things to check are as follows:

  • P for Petrol (or diesel) – have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?
  • O For Oil – check your levels once a month
  • W for Water – check radiator and screenwash regularly. We offer a -30 Concentrated Screenwash that’s great for winter conditions
  • D for Damage – check your wipers and lights for signs of wear and tear or damage, and make sure windscreen, windows and lights are clear of ice and snow
  • E for Electrics – check lights, indicators and controls are working properly
  • R for Rubber tyres – are they well inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage?
  • Y for You – are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medicine that could make it unsafe for you to drive?

You’ve now got a better sense of some of the things you need for safer winter driving. It you have any questions or queries feel free to ask one of the colleagues in your nearest Halfords store.