Scottish winters are hard on cars. Dark mornings, rain that turns to ice, gritted roads full of salt and the odd snowy week all find the weak spots. Most winter breakdowns come from a few simple things: a tired battery, worn tyres, frozen screen wash or a bulb that went months ago.

None of these checks needs tools or a garage. Do them once in late autumn, then keep an eye on them through the winter.

Tyres: tread, pressure and damage

Tyres are the only part of the car touching the road, and that matters more on wet and icy surfaces. The Highway Code (opens in a new tab) says cars must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. That's the legal minimum, not a safe target for winter. Many drivers change tyres well before they reach it.

  • Tread. Most tyres have small tread wear bars in the grooves. If the tread is level with them, the tyre is at the limit.
  • Pressure. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, against the figures in the handbook or on the sticker inside the door or fuel flap. Cold weather lowers tyre pressure.
  • Damage. Look for cuts, bulges and anything stuck in the tread. Don't forget the inside edges.

If you need tyres, our guide to cheap tyres in Glasgow explains how to get a fair fitted price.

Battery

Cold weather is when weak batteries give up. Warning signs are slow starting, the engine turning over sluggishly, and dashboard lights dimming when you start. If the battery is several years old, getting it tested before winter is cheaper than a call-out on a frosty morning. Our guide on what to do when your car won't start on a cold morning covers the rest.

Lights

You'll be driving in the dark more than usual. Walk round the car with the lights on: headlights on dipped and full beam, sidelights, indicators, brake lights (ask someone to watch, or check the reflection in a window) and the number plate light. Clean lights and plates regularly, as winter road grime builds up fast. The Highway Code says lights must be clean and number plates clearly visible.

Screen, wipers and screen wash

  • Wipers. If they smear or judder, replace them. They're one of the cheapest parts on a car.
  • Screen wash. Use a proper winter screen wash mixed to the strength on the bottle. Plain water freezes in the bottle and pipes.
  • Chips and cracks. Cold can make a small chip spread. Get it looked at early.
  • Demisting. Make sure the blower and rear screen heater work.

Antifreeze and oil

The Highway Code advises making sure there's suitable antifreeze in the radiator before winter. With the engine cold, check the coolant level in the expansion tank is between the min and max marks. Never open it when the engine is hot. Check the oil level on a flat surface with the engine off, using the dipstick or the car's own oil level display. If either keeps dropping, get it checked.

Before every icy journey

The Highway Code winter rules (opens in a new tab) are worth knowing:

  • You must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all the windows, not just a little hole in the windscreen.
  • Lights must be clean and number plates visible.
  • Clear snow off the roof so it doesn't slide down over the windscreen or onto the car behind.
  • Stopping distances can be up to ten times longer on ice than on a dry road, and at least double in the wet. Leave plenty of space.
  • Don't drive in icy or snowy weather unless your journey is essential.

Don't leave the car running unattended on the street to defrost. The Highway Code says you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, and if it's stolen your insurer may not pay out.

For road conditions in Scotland, check Traffic Scotland (opens in a new tab) and the Met Office forecast before a long trip.

What to keep in the boot

The Highway Code suggests a winter kit: an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch, warm clothes and boots, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, and a warm drink and some food in case you get stuck. Add a phone charger and a hi-vis vest if you have one.

Check the MOT history too

If you're not sure what state the car is in, the free MOT history check shows past fails and advisories. Advisories for tyres, brakes or corrosion are worth sorting before the bad weather. See all our free car checks.

Where we can help

If a check turns up a problem, you can find tyre shops and garages in our garage directory, built from public data (not partners). Or tell us what you've found and a real person will help you work out what to do next. It's free to ask and there's no obligation.