The first cold snap of the year is our busiest week for flat batteries and failed wipers. A few simple checks now will keep you moving when the temperature drops.
Battery first
Batteries lose a lot of power in the cold, and one that's been struggling all summer often gives up on the first frosty morning. If your car is slow to start, or the battery is more than five years old, ask us for a free battery test.
Tyres, wipers and lights
Check tread depth (3mm or more is ideal for winter), tyre pressures and that every bulb works. Replace wiper blades that smear or judder, and top up with a proper screenwash that won't freeze at -10°C.
Pack a winter kit
Keep an ice scraper, de-icer, a torch, a blanket, a phone charger and some water in the boot. Or let us do the hard work: our winter health check covers all of this for £19.95, free for Complete Care members.
Priya Shah
Oct 2026 · 4 min read
