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Winter driving tips – preparing your car for cold weather

As the temperature drops and winter approaches, it’s important to think about more than just keeping warm. Cold weather can have a significant impact on your vehicle, from reduced battery performance to slippery roads and poor visibility.

Whether you're commuting to work, heading out for Christmas shopping or travelling to visit friends and family, taking a few simple precautions can help keep your vehicle safe, secure and ready for the colder months.

Parking safely is just as important as driving safely during winter – here are our top winter parking tips to help you prepare for the season ahead.

1. Check your car battery before the temperature drops

Car batteries work harder during cold weather, and low temperatures can significantly reduce their performance. This means a battery that has been showing signs of weakness during summer may struggle to start your vehicle when winter arrives.

Before the cold weather sets in, consider having your battery checked. Look out for warning signs such as:

  • A slow or sluggish engine start
  • Dim headlights or interior lights
  • Electrical systems that aren't working as they should
  • A battery warning light on your dashboard

If your battery is older or showing signs of deterioration, replacing it before winter could save you from an unexpected breakdown.

2. Keep your windscreen clear & visibility high

Frost, ice, condensation and winter road spray can all affect visibility, making driving more hazardous.

Before setting off, make sure your windscreen, windows, mirrors and lights are completely clear. Never rely on your windscreen wipers to remove thick ice, as this can damage the blades and strain the motor.

It's a good idea to keep the following items in your vehicle:

  • An ice scraper and de-icer
  • A microfibre cloth for removing condensation
  • Screenwash suitable for winter temperatures
  • Spare bulbs, where appropriate

When parking, consider choosing a space away from areas where falling branches, snow or excessive water runoff could create additional hazards.

3. Choose your parking space carefully

Where you park your vehicle during winter can make a real difference to its safety and condition.

Whenever possible, choose a parking space that offers good visibility, adequate lighting and a safe distance from potential hazards.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Look for well-lit areas – good lighting improves visibility, helps you feel safer when returning to your vehicle in darker evenings (particularly for women and girls) and can discourage opportunistic crime
  • Avoid overhanging trees – heavy rain, strong winds, frost and snow can increase the risk of falling branches
  • Park away from standing water – puddles can conceal potholes, uneven surfaces or icy patches
  • Be mindful of pedestrians – in icy conditions, take extra care around pedestrian walkways and entrances
  • Use designated parking bays – parking correctly helps maintain safe access routes and allows other motorists to manoeuvre safely

A well-managed car park with clear signage, good lighting and well-maintained surfaces can make a significant difference to the overall parking experience during winter. These features also contribute to safer parking environments and are among the factors assessed as part of the Safer Parking initiative. To achieve the award, parking facilities must pass a risk assessment conducted by the police.

You can find your nearest Safer Parking facility here.

4. Protect your vehicle against frost & ice

Overnight frost can leave your vehicle covered in ice, especially if it's parked outside.

There are several simple steps you can take to make those cold winter mornings easier:

  • Use a windscreen cover to reduce frost build-up
  • Lift your windscreen wipers away from the glass when appropriate
  • Check that your door seals are clean and dry to help prevent them freezing shut
  • Keep a small bottle of de-icer handy
  • Avoid using hot water to defrost your windscreen, as sudden temperature changes can cause the glass to crack

If your vehicle is parked in an exposed area, these small preparations can save time and help prevent unnecessary damage.

A car manoeuvring on a snowy residential road

5. Check your tyres & brakes

Wet, icy and potentially snowy conditions can make roads more dangerous during winter. Your tyres are your vehicle's only contact with the road, so checking their condition is essential.

Before winter, make sure:

  • Your tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference
  • Tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure
  • There are no visible cuts, bulges or signs of damage
  • Your brakes are working correctly

Although winter tyres aren't compulsory in the UK, they can offer additional grip in colder conditions.

Remember that car parks can also become slippery during freezing weather – take extra care when manoeuvring, braking and walking around your vehicle.

6. Keep an emergency winter kit in your car

Even with the best preparation, winter journeys don't always go to plan. Keeping a few essential items in your vehicle can help you manage unexpected delays or breakdowns.

We recommend carrying:

  • A warm blanket or extra clothing
  • A torch and spare batteries
  • A phone charger or power bank
  • An ice scraper and de-icer
  • A first aid kit
  • A bottle of water and some snacks
  • A high-visibility vest
  • A warning triangle, where appropriate and safe to use

It's also worth checking your breakdown cover before winter begins, so you know what support is available if you need it.

7. Don't forget about vehicle security

Longer nights and darker evenings make vehicle security particularly important during winter.

Whether you're parking at work, visiting a shopping centre or leaving your car overnight, taking a few simple security precautions can help reduce the risk of theft or damage.

Always remember to:

  • Lock your vehicle, even if you're only leaving it for a few minutes
  • Close all windows and the sunroof
  • Remove valuables from view
  • Avoid leaving shopping bags, electronics or personal belongings on display
  • Check that your vehicle is properly secured before walking away
  • Choose parking facilities with good lighting and appropriate security measures wherever possible

For added peace of mind, consider parking in facilities with CCTV, security patrols and controlled access systems.

At Safer Parking, we recognise the importance of safe, secure and well-managed parking environments. Good parking facilities should help motorists feel confident when leaving their vehicles, whatever the time of year.

8. Be mindful of other drivers & pedestrians

Winter weather doesn't just affect your vehicle – it can also make parking facilities more challenging to navigate.

Reduced daylight, wet surfaces, frost and icy conditions can all increase the risk of slips, trips and collisions.

When using a car park during winter:

  • Drive slowly and adjust your speed to the conditions
  • Allow extra space when manoeuvring into parking bays
  • Be particularly careful around pedestrians, especially children and older people
  • Use designated pedestrian walkways wherever possible
  • Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on slippery surfaces
  • Take extra care when getting in and out of your vehicle

A little extra consideration can help make parking facilities safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Get winter-ready with Safer Parking

Preparing your vehicle for winter doesn't have to be complicated. Checking your battery, tyres and lights, keeping essential equipment in your car and choosing your parking space carefully can all help make the colder months safer and less stressful.

It's also worth remembering that a safe parking experience depends on more than just the condition of your vehicle. Well-maintained surfaces, effective lighting, clear signage and appropriate security measures all play an important role in helping motorists park with confidence.

At Safer Parking, we're committed to supporting safer, more secure and better-managed parking environments for motorists and the communities we serve.

As winter approaches, take a little time to prepare your vehicle, plan your journeys and park responsibly – a few simple steps today could make all the difference tomorrow.