The winter months bring their own challenges behind the wheel, with icy roads, poor visibility and bad weather making it harder to get where you need to be. If you have a lease car, keeping your vehicle in the best condition when the temperature drops is essential.
Whether you drive an SUV, a saloon car or a compact hatchback, preparing your car for winter saves money on maintenance, and also means you can stay confident and prepared behind the wheel, whatever the weather.
Whether you have a business or personal car lease, find out more about how you can prepare for the winter with our tips below.
Check tyres, brakes, fluids, and battery health
It goes without saying that winter conditions can be hard on your car, from tackling icy roads to wet-weather driving and cold temperatures, with journeys feeling more sluggish behind the wheel. Here are a few of the first steps to take when preparing to drive in the winter.
Tyres: Tread depth is essential. You should ensure your tyre treads are at least 3mm deep for optimal grip when you need it most. You might also notice your tyre pressure light shows more in the winter—make sure you keep them topped up to the recommended level. For additional safety, consider winter tyres for better performance.
Brakes: Take note of how your brakes respond when you use them. If you notice any squeaking or if it’s taking longer to stop, be sure to get them checked over. You should also top up your brake fluid more often to ensure it remains effective in the cold.
Fluids: Antifreeze is essential for freezing conditions, so make sure you’re topped up. You should also make sure your windscreen wash is suitable for cold weather—choose a solution that won’t freeze. You could also consider winter-grade oil to help your car run smoothly.
Battery: Your battery works harder in the winter, meaning there’s a greater chance it’ll fail. It’s always worth getting your battery checked as we head into the winter months. Longer journeys help the battery to recharge properly, so make sure you’re taking your lease car out regularly to keep up battery health, in both ICE cars and EVs.
Winter-proofing your car
Taking the necessary steps to winterproof your car means you’ll not only save time when you have to leave, but also save money on winter car maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at the steps you can take to winterproof your car:
Windscreen and wipers: To prepare your car for winter, test your windscreen wipers and replace any worn or broken wiper blades. Ensure you clean both inside and outside of your car’s windscreen to reduce glare.
Heating and defrosting: Be sure to test that your heaters are working correctly before the cold weather sets in, so you can defrost your car efficiently.
Locks and seals: Lubricate your lease car’s door locks to ensure they don’t freeze up. If your car has rubber seals on the door, check the condition of these and replace them if necessary to prevent freezing shut.
Lights: Visibility is key when travelling in challenging winter conditions or in the dark. Be sure to clean your lights to ensure they’re visible and working as they should, and replace any dim bulbs if necessary.
Emergency kit: In case of a breakdown or the weather takes a turn for the worse, carry a few essential items with you in your car, including a blanket, torch, scraper, hi-vis and de-icer.
Safety checks for cold-weather driving
While preparing for every journey in cold weather is essential, being extra vigilant means you’ll be prepared for every eventuality. Before you set off, here are a few checks that can help you stay safe on the road – no matter the weather:
Check mirrors and windows: Never drive with your mirrors or windows blocked. Not only is this illegal, it’s also very unsafe. Make sure they’re clear of snow, frost and condensation before driving off.
Check for snow build-up: If there’s snow on the roof of your lease car, clear it before you set off to prevent it from sliding into view when you’re on the road.
Fuel level: Make sure you have at least half a tank of petrol before you leave home to prevent condensation forming, and so you don’t become stranded if you’re delayed.
Tyre grip: Just as you set off, tap your brakes at a low speed to see how much grip your tyres have.
Plan your route: Plan your journey before you leave, and if the weather is particularly cold, snowy or icy, make sure you stick to main, gritted roads to complete the journey.
Winter driving habits
During the cold, winter months, adjusting your driving habits to suit the weather means you can reduce wear on your car and help prevent accidents on the go. From driving slowly to increasing stopping distance, here are a few tips on how to adapt to changing winter conditions:
Slow down: While it might seem obvious, slowing down in wintery conditions or if there’s low visibility gives you more space to stop should you need to. Driving carefully gives you the chance to stay alert and in control.
Increase distance: Keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you, more so than usual, to give you time to react should you or the other car get into difficulty.
Gentle acceleration: Smoother, gentler input means reduced skid risk, so avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking or steering.
Higher gears: If you need to navigate an icy surface, starting in second gear will give you more traction and prevent wheel spinning.
Be vigilant: Black ice can be hard to see, so be extra vigilant for this, especially if you’re travelling in the morning or on less-travelled roads. Black ice is also common in shaded areas and on bridges.
Drive defensively: This simply means to expect other drivers to make mistakes. Prepare for slips and skids, and give yourself the chance to react safely and sensibly.
How to save money on seasonal car lease maintenance
Preparing your lease car for cold weather means you can save money when it comes to winter lease maintenance. But there are a few more smart ways that will allow you to avoid costly maintenance bills, for more money in your pocket.
As you should throughout the year, make sure you stick to your maintenance schedules. This means keeping up with regular servicing throughout the year to prevent wear and maintain your warranty. As well as this, you should also use approved providers. Your lease provider may have discounted servicing options, so it’s always best to check before you book.
To avoid further damage charges that may come with your lease, try to protect your car from wear and corrosion caused by road salt by washing your car regularly or using a protective undercoating. By keeping up with the DIY maintenance tips we’ve looked at above, you can prevent issues between professional services.
Preparing your lease car in winter doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’ve got an EV lease, a hybrid car lease, or you’re driving the latest petrol or diesel car, keeping a few of our tips in mind can help you get from A to B this winter.
For some of the most competitive lease deals on vehicles from the biggest manufacturers, get in touch with our leasing experts to find your new car today or find more information in our range of car leasing guides.