10 things to do

1. Tyres

If you’re not switching to cold weather tyres this winter, make sure your existing ones have at least 3mm of tread. This helps on wet roads, as performance drops off rapidly as the tread nears the 1.6mm legal minimum. You should replace your tyres if they’re close to 3mm, as they wear quicker in winter when they are more likely to spin. Look for cuts, bumps and cracking, plus check the pressures, including any spare.

2. Coolant

The correct concentration of coolant is vital in winter, when it has to prevent corrosion and freezing. A coolant tester will check dilution. Top up with the correct coolant or, if you have several cars, Prestone’s Antifreeze (£7.99, pictured) can be used in any model and is ready-mixed.

3. Battery

The most common cause of problems in winter, so make sure the battery is up to the job. Check the terminals are clean and tight, and how old it is – five years is about the limit. If you have a modern smart charger with a reconditioning mode – like those from CTEK – now would be a good time to use it.

4. Screenwash

It's often forgotten that screenwash has a different job to do in winter  rather than summer. As temperatures plunge, preventing freezing takes priority over removing bugs, so ensure your wash is to the correct winter concentration. Halfords Screen Wash (£5.99) is our test winner, or consider switching to a specialist winter product like Prestone’s Screen Wash (£5.99).

5. Air-conditioning

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you should switch off your air-conditioning until spring. The system needs to be used to lubricate seals and to prevent the cooling gas leaking. Have the system checked and topped up if necessary, and make sure you use it regularly. Don’t forget a properly working air-conditioning system can often be the quickest way to clear a misted screen.

6. Glass

Rain repellents have a key role to play on glass in winter. They will bead away water, keeping screens and windows cleaner for longer, and can make removing ice easier. Our picks are the long-lasting EnduroShield (£14.95) and Diamondbrite Rainscreen (£9). Keep a microfibre cloth in a door pocket to wipe windows inside.

7. Bodywork

Before the weather gets too cold, wash the car, deal with any scratches or marks with the likes of Autoglym Paint Renovator (£5.99), then apply a protective coat of wax. Our current pick is Turtle Wax ICE Synthetic Paste Polish (£19.99). Protect external plastic with a bumper shine – we’ve had excellent results with the highly durable Black Diamond Trim Gel (£4.99).

8. Locks and seals

Make sure you can get in your car during the big freeze by cleaning and lubricating door, boot, bonnet and hatch locks. Check the keyholes as well and pop a lock de-icer in your bag. Finally, ensure the door and boot rubbers are in good condition by coating with a treatment like Autoglym’s Vinyl & Rubber Care (£7.25).

9. Lights and belts

While under the bonnet checking the battery, have a look at the drive belts and hoses to ensure there are no cracks and that clips are tight. It’s also a good idea to give the engine bay a clean, as this makes it easier to spot problems. Protect any plastic covers with a trim shine. Now is also a good time to ensure all your lights are working properly. Carry a spare set of bulbs so problems can be dealt with quickly.

10. Interior

Leaving your car’s interior exposed to snow and mud can mean it will look shabby come spring. For newer cars, it’s worth considering using aftermarket mats to protect or replace the originals. We’ve been impressed with those from Cannon and Michelin. And if you have leather upholstery, keep it protected. Our test winner is CarPlan Complete Leather Cleaner (£4.99).