Skip advert
Advertisement

Top 20 must-buys for your car

We’ve seen how vital a hi-vis vest is, but what do you need to get your car through the months ahead?

The weather may still be reasonably mild at the moment, but it’s about to take a turn for the worse. And it pays to be prepared, as the consequences of suffering a breakdown or being stranded can be at best inconvenient and at worst life threatening.

Research suggests that 65 per cent of motorists spend less than £200 getting their car in shape for the harshest months of the year. What’s more, one in three has had a particularly bad driving experience or been stuck on a journey in severe weather.

With a little planning, you and your vehicle can survive even the harshest conditions. The key is to act now before temperatures drop – that way, any problems can be addressed before they become critical, and your car has the kit to cope when the weather turns.

Here’s the Auto Express experts’ guide to what you should buy for your car in readiness for the cold months ahead. We’ve listed the top 20 essential products, covering everything from improving your chances of avoiding a crash to ensuring your motor is properly protected from the elements.

There’s kit to minimise the time you’re stuck on the roadside, plus gear to help you survive if there is no way to keep going.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,417 off RRP*Used from £7,195
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £6,189 off RRP*Used from £12,195
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £10,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades
AUDI E5 Sportback - front tracking

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades

This is the first car from Audi's China-focused sub-brand, and it's a real shame that we won't be getting it
Road tests
16 Jan 2026
New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a bargain alternative to the Kia Sportage
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i - front static

New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a bargain alternative to the Kia Sportage

Chinese giant is pitching its new plug-in SUV at the mainstream elite, but undercuts them on price
News
14 Jan 2026
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan - front 3/4

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior

The transformation from ID.4 to ID. Tiguan will be big, as VW preps one its most important new cars of 2026
News
15 Jan 2026