Winter Essentials & Necessities For Your Car For 2023

As the days grow shorter, it gets darker earlier, and the temperatures drop, it's essential to prepare your car for the challenges that winter brings in the UK.

Harsh weather conditions can make driving more dangerous and challenging, so having the right winter essentials for your car is crucial. In this article, we'll detail some conditional and must-have items and preparations to ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the cold and potentially treacherous winter roads in the UK.

You don't have to buy all of these items, as we have labelled them either "optional" or "essential" based on how useful they are.

1. Winter Tyres (optional)

One of the most critical winter options for your car is fitting it with winter tyres. Winter tyres are specially designed to provide better grip and traction in cold and icy conditions. They have a different rubber compound and tread pattern that allows them to stay pliable even in freezing temperatures, providing improved control and stopping power.

In the UK, where winters can be damp and cold, winter tyres can make a significant difference in your car's performance. Be sure to fit all four tyres with winter versions, as mixing them with regular tyres can compromise their effectiveness.

In most of England and Wales, winter tyres aren't really essential due to it not snowing that often even during mid-winter. But in places like Scotland, snow and ice can last for weeks so winter tyres may be a good idea.

2. Ice Scraper and De-Icer (essential)

Frosty mornings are a common occurrence in the UK during winter. Having an ice scraper and de-icer in your car is essential to ensure you can see clearly and start your journey safely.

A sturdy ice scraper can help you remove frost and ice from your windscreen, while a de-icer can speed up the process and prevent refreezing. Spraying de-icer on your windscreen in the evening can stop your screen from freezing up come the morning.

You can also buy a front windscreen frostguard which is a thick blanket that goes across the windscreen and attaches to your rear view mirrors. This can stop your windscreen from freezing and is easy to remove in the morning.

These tools cost very little and can last for weeks. Most local petrol stations will have them available for sale, as well as normal supermarkets like Tesco or ASDA. Definitely a small investment to speed your early morning commute up.

3. Snow Chains (optional)

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or plan to travel to such places, snow chains are an excellent addition to your winter car essentials. Snow chains can provide added traction and control in deep snow, making it easier to navigate slippery roads. Ensure that you practice fitting them before your journey, as doing so in freezing conditions can be challenging.

Like winter tyres, you are very unlikely to use these in England or Wales. But places like the Scottish Highlands will be dangerous to go without.

4. Blankets and Warm Clothing (essential)

It's always wise to prepare for unexpected delays, such as getting stuck in traffic or breaking down in the cold. Keeping blankets and warm clothing in your car can be a lifesaver in such situations. Pack a few warm blankets, gloves, hats, and a thick jacket to keep you and your passengers warm while waiting for help.

Motorway traffic jams are particularly common these days, especially heavy traffic motorways like the notorious M6. Throwing some cheap blankets in the boot of your car for longer journeys is well worth it in case you are ever stuck in very cold weather. 

5. First Aid Kit (essential)

A first aid kit is a year-round essential for your car, but it becomes even more crucial during the winter months. Slippery roads and adverse weather conditions increase the risk of accidents. Having a well-equipped first aid kit can help you provide immediate assistance to yourself or others in case of an emergency.

These cost very little and take up small amounts of space in your car. Website Halfords has a car first aid kit for just £15 which is well worth it.

6. Torch and Batteries (optional)

The days are shorter in winter, and darkness can set in early. A good torch with extra batteries is indispensable for emergency situations. Whether you need to check your car's engine or simply find your way in the dark, a reliable torch can be a lifesaver.

Mobile phone flashlights can work as well but they don't have enough power to see farther distances. This could be dangerous if you're walking through an unfamiliar area and can't see very far ahead of you and where you are walking.

7. Shovel (optional)

A small foldable shovel can come in handy if you ever find yourself stuck in the snow. It can help you dig your car out and clear a path, enabling you to continue your journey or wait more comfortably for assistance.

8. Food and Water (essential)

In the event of a breakdown or getting stranded, having a supply of non-perishable food and water is essential. Energy bars, nuts, and bottled water are good options to keep in your car. Make sure to check the expiration dates periodically and replace the items as needed.

There are lots of ways to search for food rations. These essentially last for a very long time and only need water added to be consumed. Amazon has a great list of affordable food rations available here.

9. Windscreen Washer Fluid (essential)

Winter driving often leads to dirty and salt-covered windscreens. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of winter-grade windscreen washer fluid that can withstand freezing temperatures. Clear visibility is critical for safe driving in winter conditions. You should be checking your washer fluid level on a weekly basis at least.

10. Battery Charger (optional)

Cold weather can take a toll on your car's battery, reducing its performance and potentially causing it to fail. A battery charger can help you jump-start your vehicle in case of a flat battery. Ensure it's suitable for your car's battery type, and remember to charge it in advance.

If you are doing short journeys daily (less than 3 miles), like commuting to work, it's possible for your battery to go dead very quickly. Either hook your car up on a trickle charge overnight or take your car out for longer drives on the weekend (at least 20 miles) to keep the battery charged.

The best car battery charger we have found is the CTEK MXS 5.0 T which has great reviews. You can get it from the website Halfords for around £80 and it will last years.

11. Emergency Triangle (essential)

In case of a breakdown, an emergency triangle can help alert other drivers to your presence and ensure safety on the road. Place it a suitable distance behind your vehicle to give approaching vehicles ample warning of your situation.

These are cheap, easy to carry in the boot and can save your car from being rear-ended by an unsuspecting driver.

12. Anti-Freeze/Coolant (essential)

Check your car's coolant level and make sure it's suitable for freezing temperatures. If needed, top up with anti-freeze to prevent your engine's cooling system from freezing. Be cautious not to overfill, as this can lead to overheating in milder weather.

You can buy anti-freeze/coolant from most places like Halfords. It usually comes premixed 50/50 with coolant and de-ionised water, which means you just need to add it to your car's expansion tank.

Companies use different dyes in their coolants to change the colours, but generally, all coolants (as long as it's mixed with de-ionised water) will be safe to go in your car. If you buy coolant and it's concentrate (asks you to add water), make sure to buy 'de-ionised water'. You can get this from websites like Halfords here.

A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze/coolant and de-ionised water simply means 200ml of each mixed together, as an example. Don't use tap water when mixing as it can damage your car's cooling system due to additives. 

13. Jumper Cables (essential)

Jumper cables are essential for jump-starting your car if the battery fails. Keep a set in your car and learn how to use them safely. It's also a good idea to carry a portable jump starter in case there are no other vehicles nearby to assist.

These are relatively inexpensive and can easily fit in your boot. They can be a lifesaver because you can connect them to any vehicle in order to get your own car started again if the battery is flat.

14. Mobile Phone Charger (essential)

Your mobile phone is a lifeline in case of emergencies, so make sure you have a car charger to keep it powered up. Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank as a backup.

15. Emergency Contact List (essential)

Having a list of emergency contacts in your car can be crucial in a difficult situation. Include numbers for breakdown services, your insurance company, and a trusted friend or family member who can help in an emergency.

16. Full Fuel Tank (essential)

Keep your fuel tank as full as possible during the winter months. This not only ensures you have enough fuel for your journey but also helps prevent moisture from forming in the tank, which can lead to fuel line freezing.

17. Regular Maintenance (essential)

Before winter sets in, it's vital to ensure your car is in good working order. Schedule a thorough check-up with your mechanic to address any issues or concerns. Pay particular attention to the brakes, battery, heating system, lights, and the condition of your existing tyres.

18. Winter-ready Wiper Blades (essential)

Visibility is crucial in winter, and having effective wiper blades is essential. Winter-ready wiper blades are designed to prevent ice and snow buildup and provide clear visibility even in the worst weather conditions.

If you haven't changed your wiper blades in a long time it will be worth changing them. They are relatively inexpensive and you can get the exact ones for your model by visiting your vehicle brand's local parts centre. Or you can buy universal sets from websites like Halfords.

19. Snow Brush (essential)

A sturdy snow brush with a scraper can help you remove snow and ice from your car's windows and roof, ensuring you have a clear field of vision and preventing snow from sliding onto your windshield while driving.

Usually, an ice scraper comes attached with a snow brush on the opposite side.

20. Reflective Vest (essential)

In case you need to leave your vehicle in a hazardous location, such as on the side of the road, a reflective vest can make you more visible to other drivers and enhance your safety. These cost pennies and are easily shoved into your glovebox. You don't want to be standing on the side of a busy motorway in the pitch-black darkness without one of these.

In conclusion, winter in the UK can be unpredictable, and it's always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Investing in these winter essentials for your car can mean the difference between a safe and comfortable journey and a potentially hazardous one.

Take the time to gather and maintain these items, ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the challenges that winter may bring. Stay safe on the roads, and may your winter journeys be trouble-free and enjoyable.