Winter may be coming to an end, but the cold weather is likely here to stay, so we recommend that you plan ahead. Previously, we’ve provided some driving tips for winter to help keep you safe on the roads. However, it’s important that your vehicle is also well-prepared as breakdowns and accidents are more common in the winter months.
Key risks of winter driving
Snow and ice
Snowy and icy weather pose additional challenges for drivers and can be very dangerous, particularly if your vehicle breaks down. The chances of skidding are much greater, and so your stopping distance will increase significantly. In order to stay safe when driving in snow or ice, you should reduce your speed, avoid harsh braking and accelerating and limit sharp steering. If you find yourself stuck in the snow then the ROSPA recommend that you slowly move your vehicle backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear possible.
Hail
During the colder weather, you may have to contend with hailstorms. Not only can this cause damage to your vehicle, but it can also make driving precarious, as it can be difficult to see the road ahead and other vehicles around you. Unless you absolutely have to make a journey, it’s best to avoid driving in these conditions so that you can remain safe.
Darkness
A lack of light can be dangerous for drivers because visibility can become significantly impaired, which can make it hard to judge distances and speeds. In addition, oncoming headlights can dazzle your vision, posing an extra challenge for those driving in the dark winter months.
Cold temperatures
The lower temperatures that we often experience during this time of year can do damage to our vehicles. It’s more likely that your vehicle will have tyre pressure problems and fluid level issues during the winter months, making it essential for you to regularly get your vehicle serviced.
Winter safety checklist for your car
By having the correct equipment in your car, you can navigate the roads safely. We have compiled this winter checklist, which includes key items that we recommend you keep in your vehicle.
Ice-scraper and de-icer It’s important to ensure that your windows are clear of ice, snow, and condensation before you set off on a journey. This will prevent you from receiving a fine and allow you to clearly see the road ahead. An ice-scraper and de-icer are the most efficient tools for clearing the ice off your vehicle, and most drivers use them frequently in winter.
Torch and spare batteries. Having a torch and spare batteries can be invaluable if you need assistance in the dark weather. Without any light, breakdowns can be very frightening and dangerous; a large torch with spare batteries would therefore be useful, as you’ll be able to see in the dark and signal for help.
Sunglasses In winter, the angle of the sun in the sky is frequently too low for your visor to help and this can dazzle drivers and cause glare. By keeping a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle, you can make sure that your vision isn’t affected by the low winter sun.
First aid kit. It’s good practice to have a first aid kit in your vehicle at any time of the year so that you can handle any minor injuries that might occur while on the road. A small first aid kit should include nitrile powder-free gloves, sterile cleansing wipes, waterproof plasters, dressings, and scissors.
Empty fuel can It’s important to be prepared because you never know when your vehicle might run out of fuel. Having an empty fuel can in your vehicle is essential in this situation as you can retrieve fuel from the nearest petrol station, allowing you to get back on the move. If you have one of our fuel cards, then you don’t need to have the additional stress of remembering to keep the receipt from your purchase.
Food and drink During the winter months, it’s common to be delayed in traffic because of snow, rain, or a bad-weather collision. In these scenarios, it would be useful to have snacks in your vehicle in case you face a long wait. Breakdowns are sometimes unavoidable and if you have a flask with a hot drink in your vehicle then you can stay warm until help arrives.
Warm clothes and waterproofs If your vehicle breaks down on the road then it can be dangerous to remain in your car. Having extra clothes and waterproofs will allow you to remain warm and dry when faced with harsh winter elements.
High-visibility jacket As there are fewer daylight hours in winter, it’s critical that you can be seen by other motorists if you need to leave your vehicle in the dark. A high-visibility jacket could therefore be life-saving and so should definitely be regarded as one of the most important items on this checklist.
Shovel Snow piles and mud puddles can be treacherous for drivers, and it’s easy for a vehicle’s wheels to get stuck. Having a shovel in your vehicle means that you can literally dig yourself out of this situation. Using a shovel, you’ll be able to dig out from around a tyre that’s spinning or add fresh snow to improve your tyre’s grip.
Mobile phone and power bank. We recommend that you always keep a fully charged mobile phone and power bank in your vehicle so that you can let friends and family know if your journey is delayed because of bad weather. This will also be essential if you need to call for help in an emergency. If you break down somewhere with no phone signal, then you’ll need to locate the nearest emergency phone.
These items will be incredibly useful in the case of a breakdown or emergency, and some can even be life-saving. By following this checklist, you can relax knowing that you’re prepared for the winter weather. Although we recommend these items, there may be others that you might wish to keep in your vehicle. To avoid breakdowns in winter, we recommend that your vehicle is regularly serviced to ensure that it remains in good working condition.
Coolant checks: spotting low coolant before it becomes a problem
Coolant is one of the most important checks for cars and vans, but it’s also one of the most overlooked. Dropping temperatures can cause engines to freeze or overheat if coolant levels aren’t right.
Signs your car needs coolant
Temperature warning light on the dashboard.
Heater blowing cold air.
Visible leaks under the vehicle.
Sweet smell from the engine bay.
Engine running hotter than normal.
How to check coolant levels
Ask drivers to do a quick visual check before setting off:
Wait until the engine is cold.
Look for the coolant reservoir.
Make sure fluid is between the MIN and MAX marks.
Top up with the correct coolant/antifreeze mix if needed.
If levels drop quickly, you could have a leak - worth getting checked before it becomes a bigger issue.
Tyre pressure & tread: essential winter safety checks
Tyres lose pressure naturally in colder weather, which means December is the perfect time to check for underinflation, damage or low tread.
Signs your tyres need filling
Steering feels heavier.
Car takes longer to stop.
TPMS light is on.
Uneven wear on the edges.
A thudding or vibrating feel while driving.
Winter tyre checklist
For reliable winter car checks, ensure each vehicle has:
Correct tyre pressure – follow manufacturer guidelines.
At least 3mm tread depth for better grip.
No cracks or bulges from cold weather.
Seasonal tyres if your business operates in rural, hilly or high-mileage environments.
Good tyres improve handling, reduce fuel consumption and lower the risk of winter breakdowns.
Fuel management: why winter can increase fuel use
Cold weather affects fuel efficiency. Engines take longer to warm up, heaters draw extra power and road conditions slow average speeds all meaning your fleet uses more fuel.
Key pre-winter fuel checks
Ensure drivers fill up before long winter journeys.
Keep fuel tanks at least half full to avoid condensation building.
Check diesel vehicles for winter-grade fuel (important below 0°C).
Remind drivers to avoid excessive idling while defrosting.
Using a fuel card makes it easier to monitor usage, track mpg and keep costs under control during the winter peak.
4. EV fleet checks: winter charging & battery protection
If your business runs EVs, cold weather affects performance differently. Batteries drain faster and charging times can increase, so end-of-year EV checks matter just as much as traditional vehicle checks.
Pre-winter EV checklist
Check battery health via the onboard display.
Encourage drivers to precondition cabins while plugged in.
Avoid charging to 100% or running below 20% regularly.
Keep charging cables dry and stored safely.
Inspect home and workplace chargers for damage.
How winter affects EV range
EVs typically lose 10–30% range in colder weather. Planning routes and charging stops in advance helps drivers avoid unnecessary delays.
Make winter fleet management easier with the Right Fuel Card
Fuel cards can help you navigate winter more effectively with:
Clear reporting on fuel usage across your fleet.
Accurate mpg data to spot performance issues.
Access to nationwide fuel stations - ideal during bad weather.
Simplified VAT reporting for year-end admin.
Whatever the size of your fleet, having tools that support winter planning helps keep your business running smoothly.
