10 things to buy
After the essential checks, here's the kit to get your car through the winter
1. Winter Tyres
Top of the list has to be a switch to winter tyres. As we saw in our test, cold weather tyres offer more grip not only on snow and ice, but in any weather when the temperature is below seven degrees Centigrade. Making the switch has never been easier, with car makers and tyre retailers offering schemes including storage for your summer tyres.
2. Snow chains and socks
If you can't stretch to winter or all-season tyres, chains or socks can keep you moving in snow. Maggi’s Power 8 chain – our Best Buy – has been replaced by The One (£69.95, right). Tough nylon snow socks slip on to boost tyres’ grip. Pick from Autosocks (£49.95) or the £49.99 Agripool from Halfords.
3. Winter Tyre Grip
Motorists on a tight budget will love this: it’s like winter tyres in a can. Spray one of these products on your driving wheels, leave it for five minutes and makers claim it gives extra grip to get you moving on snow and ice. It’s for emergency use only, and drivers still need to clear the snow around the tyre. Makers say it will wear off once you are back driving on tarmac.
4.Emergency Equipment
It pays to be prepared for the worst, so why not slip a get-you-home kit in the boot? Halfords has snow shovels (£8.99) and traction tracks from Hilka (£19.99), in case you’re stranded. A torch is a glovebox essential, especially during the winter months. Alternatively, go for a head torch, which leaves the hands free to tackle repairs or clear away snow. Our favourite is the powerful and versatile Ring Cyba-lite Oculus (£17.11).
5. Daytime Running Lights
See and be seen with a set of daytime running lights (DRLs) this winter. They’ve been a legal safety requirement on new cars since February, and owners of older models can benefit from the increased visibility thanks to the raft of aftermarket kits on sale. These start at £70 and can be DIY installed. To get the full benefit, check on the pack that your choice complies with regulation ECE R87.
6. Spray-on De-Icer
A spray-on de-icer is the fastest and safest way to clear a frosted screen. We’ve got good results with Prestone’s De-icer (£1.99). It’s sold in a 600ml aerosol and contains ingredients to stop refreezing. If you prefer a trigger pack try Bluecol’s 500ml pack (£3.49).
7. Wiper Blades
No amount of electronic kit will keep you safe if you can’t see where you’re going. Latest flat blade technology, where the length of the rubber pressed on the screen, is now available for most cars. Our pick is the Bosch Aerotwin (£27.41). For conventional blades try the Bosch Super Plus (£12.46).
8. Satellite navigation
Even if you know the way to your destination this winter, you can’t predict delays en route. A sat-nav with traffic alerts can help you avoid jams and, in bad weather, even persuade you to postpone your journey. Expect to pay from £150, plus some providers demand a subscription on top of this. Our current Best Buy is TomTom’s Via 120 Live UK (£180). A cheaper option is a sat-nav smartphone app, like those from TomTom, Garmin or Navigon, but many of their features may require an Internet connection.
9. Phone charger
Your mobile can be a life saver if you’re stranded, so the last thing you want is a flat battery. There are a number of solutions depending on your handset. An emergency external battery is handy, or there are several 12V adaptors with USB sockets. For a three-pin supply go for Ring’s E-Can inverter (£29.99), which also has a USB socket.
10. Headlamp bulbs
Upgrade your bulbs to boost visibility. The latest offer twice as much light where you need it – Ring claims a 120 per cent improvement with its bulbs. In our tests, Osram and Philips have consistently been top performers. Expect to pay around £30 a pair.
