Winter Car Care Tips to Save Money on Repairs and Fuel

Winter can be a tough period for commuters, and neglecting seasonal maintenance on your car can lead to costly repairs or inefficiencies that drain your wallet.

From keeping your engine in peak condition to improving fuel efficiency during colder months, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and help you save money. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to winter car care, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters

Cold temperatures and icy roads don’t just make driving more challenging – they can also wreak havoc on your vehicle! Whether it’s battery problems, an increase in your tyre wear from icy and uneven runs or even lower fuel economy due to cold starts and slower engine warm-ups, a little preparation can prevent these issues and keep your car running smoothly without hefty repair bills.

Essential Winter Car Care Tips

1. Check Your Tyres Before Winter Journeys

Tyres are your car’s first line of defence against icy roads, meaning proper grip is essential for safety and efficiency! By ensuring your tyres have at least 3mm of tread for winter driving, you can maintain your tyres and stay safe on the winter roads. It’s also important to keep them inflated to the recommended pressures, as underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency leading you to more trips to the petrol station over the busy Winter period.

Many drivers opt for winter tyres in areas that are prone to snow or ice due to their ability to grip the roads and improve braking in the challenging winter conditions. These tyres are known to improve your control in icy conditions, and despite them being an extra cost during the busy winter months their impact can be potentially life-saving. It’s always worthwhile to do some research on whether winter tyres would benefit you before you buy them.

2. Keep Your Battery Charged

Cold weather reduces your battery’s ability to hold a charge, which can leave you stranded midway through your winter commute. By checking your battery’s voltage before long journeys you’ll have the knowledge you need to decide whether your battery is able to hold the charge required to get you to your destination without any hiccups. If you’re unsure how to check your battery, many local garages will have it tested for you (and these checks are often free!). 

Batteries older than 3 years are recommended to be replaced to avoid mid-winter breakdowns, however by regularly cleaning the terminals and ensuring the battery is securely fastened you can improve the longevity of your battery without breaking the bank.

3. Top Up Fluids

Low or incorrect fluids can cause major damage to your car in freezing conditions. By using winter-grade screenwash, you can prevent freezing and improve visibility during the winter months. These products can be found in many high-street stores and can give you a helping hand in the morning before your work commute. It’s cheaper to top up than deal with engine damage, and that’s why it’s important to always check your antifreeze levels during the Winter period.

Petrol stations also offer winter-grade oil which brings an improved performance in low temperatures – always check your vehicle manual first to see if your car would benefit from winter-grade oil.

4. Protect Your Windscreen and Wipers

Whilst many dream of a white Christmas, ice and grit can drain your wallet if you don’t protect your windscreen and wipers during the winter months. Despite the tiktok videos and quick-fix hot water solutions, these techniques can cause costly damage to your windscreen as hot water can crack the glass. Make sure you stock up on de-icer sprays and use a scraper to remove ice and grit from your windscreen.

By regularly checking the weather apps, you can be well prepared for icy conditions and take steps to protect your car in advance. A suitable windscreen cover placed overnight can help prevent ice buildup from occurring. What’s more, remember not to neglect your windscreen wipers, as damaged wiper blades in the ice can lead to scratches on your windscreen.

5. Monitor Fuel Efficiency

Due to the cold starts and longer idling times, we tend to use more fuel in the winter. For us to save money on fuel we need to take steps to make sure we are getting the most out of our fuel. Fewer trips during the winter months can help us not waste fuel – if you can, combine your errands to reduce the amount of cold starts you’re having during the winter months.

Many people like to use their car boot as storage, but by keeping your car light you can improve your fuel efficiency. Modern engines don’t need to “warm up” like older models, so if you can cut down on idling for long periods of time you can make your fuel last longer.

6. Check Your Lights

Shorter days and foggy conditions mean your lights are essential for visibility and safety.To make sure your lights are in tip-top condition make sure you regularly clean your headlights to ensure maximum brightness and replace dim or flickering bulbs promptly – it’s cheaper than getting pulled over and fined!

Bonus Tips for Long-Term Savings

1. Wash Your Car Regularly

Salt and grit from winter roads can corrode your car’s body and undercarriage, therefore regular washing, including the underside, prevents rust and prolongs your car’s life. Many people desert the car wash during the winter months due to the amount of rainfall, however, the salt and grit do more harm than good when left unwashed with cleaning products for long periods of time.

2. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule

Winter is not the time to skip routine servicing. A well-maintained car is more efficient and less likely to break down, helping you save money in the long run.

3. Plan Ahead for MOT and Insurance Renewals

Check your MOT date and ensure your car is in good condition to avoid unwanted bills around the Christmas period. You can also shop around for the best insurance deals before renewing and you can bag yourself a bargain on your next insurance plan.

How Winter Car Care Saves You Money

By following these tips, you can:

• Avoid costly repairs: Preventative care is always cheaper than fixing a major issue.
• Increase fuel efficiency: Small changes, like keeping tyres properly inflated, can make a big difference.
• Extend your car’s lifespan: Protecting your car during winter ensures it stays in better condition for years to come.

Winter driving doesn’t have to mean expensive repairs and inefficiencies. By taking a proactive approach to car care, you can keep your vehicle in top shape while saving money. From checking your tyres to topping up antifreeze, these simple steps make a big difference. Start your winter car care routine today, and enjoy safer, smoother, and more cost-effective journeys all season long.