Driving Safely Through Winter: Essential Checks & Tips

Winter is coming, bringing with it the risk of unexpected breakdowns and accidents for drivers who aren’t prepared to face the worsening conditions. 

Taking a few simple steps to prepare and review your car’s safety can make a significant difference during the winter months. 

Winter Car Essentials: Tyres, Battery & Brakes 

Tyres are the most important part of winter safety. Check tread depth and tyre pressure regularly, as cold temperatures can reduce grip and increase stopping distances.  

Inspect for cuts, cracks, or damage caused by road debris or potholes.  

Tyre issues remain the top cause of winter breakdowns: between November 2023 and February 2024, tyres accounted for 18.6% of breakdowns, more than any other cause.  

Cold weather puts extra strain on car batteries, making it harder to start vehicles. Surprisingly, only 19% of UK drivers check their battery before winter, leaving many at risk of breakdowns.  

Experts predict around 472,000 battery failures across the UK during the winter months. If the battery is more than a few years old, getting it tested before winter sets in is a good idea. 

Brakes are vital for winter safety. Make sure pads, discs, and fluid levels are checked regularly.  

Slippery roads and reduced visibility mean stopping distances increase, so ensuring brakes are in top condition is essential.  

Winter breakdowns have increased by around 22% over the last five years, with brake-related issues contributing to many incidents. 

How Dealers Can Help Customers Stay Safe This Winter 

Dealers have a valuable opportunity to support customers during winter while also driving engagement with after-sales services.  

By providing advice, services, and promotions, dealers can help their customers stay safe on the roads and build long-lasting trust. 

Encourage customers to book a seasonal check-up that covers tyres, brakes, and battery health. These checks not only keep vehicles safe but also create opportunities for service revenue. 

Educate customers on tyre tread depth, pressure, and winter-specific tyre options. Dealers can provide tyre inspections as part of routine servicing or promote winter tyre offers. 

Consider offering bundled services such as a “Winter Ready Package” that includes a battery check, tyre inspection, and brake assessment. This adds value for the customer while driving business through the service department. 

Highlight the benefits of early checks, showing customers that small preventive steps can reduce breakdowns and costly repairs during harsh winter months. 

By taking these steps dealers can help customers stay safe while reinforcing the value of after-sales services 

Winter driving brings its own set of challenges, but a little preparation goes a long way. By focusing on key safety checks and offering customers the right support, dealers can play an important role in helping drivers avoid unnecessary disruptions. Together, small proactive steps can make winter motoring more reliable for all.