As temperatures drop and the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time for businesses to carry out essential car checks across their fleet. Cold weather, darker days and wetter roads all put more pressure on vehicles, so making sure everything is in good working order is key to reducing breakdowns, keeping drivers safe and managing costs.
Whether you run a handful of vans or a nationwide fleet, this year-end vehicle checks guide walks you through the essentials: coolant levels, tyre safety, fuel management, EV charging prep and broader pre-winter checks.
Why December is the best time for business vehicle checks
December is a natural reset point. Your fleet has likely had a busy year, vehicles may have covered thousands of miles, and winter weather will soon test everything from batteries to brakes.
Carrying out pre-winter checks helps:
Reduce breakdown risks.
Lower repair costs.
Improve fuel efficiency.
Keep drivers safer.
Minimise downtime during peak winter months.
It’s also a great opportunity to build good routines into your winter fleet maintenance plan.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
5. General year-end vehicle checks for your entire fleet
These broader checks help your vehicles stay reliable in cold, wet and icy conditions.
Battery condition
Cold weather is tough on batteries. Check for:
Slow engine turnover.
Dim headlights.
Corrosion around battery terminals.
Wiper blades & screenwash
Dirty roads and salted surfaces mean visibility drops quickly.
Replace worn wiper blades.
Use winter-strength screenwash.
Keep spare fluids in vans or pool cars.
Lights & indicators
Shorter days mean lights work harder. Ensure:
All bulbs work correctly.
Headlights aren’t cloudy or misaligned.
Drivers clean lights regularly for maximum visibility.
Heating & demisting systems
With wetter weather, your heating systems need to work effectively. Test:
Cabin heaters.
Heated windscreens.
Rear window heaters.
Fan speed settings.
Brakes
Book in checks if you notice:
Squeaking noises.
Pulsing through the pedal.
The car pulling to one side.
6. Does my car need winter checks? (Yes - and here’s why)
This is one of the most searched seasonal questions, and the answer is always yes. A simple winter check in December can prevent:
Frozen engines.
Flat batteries.
Tyre blowouts.
Reduced braking performance.
Higher fuel use.
Costly breakdowns.
For businesses, a single vehicle off the road can disrupt delivery schedules, slow down service teams and eat into budgets. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
7. 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.
