Essential Winter Driving Kit Checklist

Ice scraper and de-icer

You should never drive with an unclear windscreen, mirrors, or windows – not only are you endangering yourself and other road users, but you’re also breaking the law. Driving with limited vision, caused by ice or condensation on your windscreen, could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence.

Quick solutions, including pouring boiling water over your windscreen, are often dangerous and ineffective due to the risk of the glass shattering. Keeping the proper equipment like an ice scraper and de-icer can help you avoid problems and keep your windscreen, mirrors and windows clear, safe and legal.

The Halfords Advanced Ice Scraper uses a strong shovel-head and ice-breaker teeth to tackle hard frost on your windscreen, while the soft-grip handle keeps it comfortable and easy-to-control. Paired with the Halfords Advanced De-Icer and Chamois Demister Pad, easily melt away ice and remove any remaining condensation or moisture to ensure a clear view of the road ahead.

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Fully charged mobile phone

It's even more important to have your mobile charged when you're driving in winter so that you can reach out for help if you need it in an emergency. If your car has a USB charging port, it can be useful to keep a mobile charger lead in the car so you can top up your power on the go.

If you're a member of a breakdown service, make sure you have their number to hand too. You’ll usually receive a card to keep in your wallet when you sign up, as well as a member’s booklet that you can keep in the glovebox.

If you book a Halfords Full or Major Service, or a Service and MOT Combi, you’ll get 12 months of Halfords Breakdown Cover included. That gives you 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as misfuel support, nationwide recovery and more, all for your peace of mind.

Warm clothing

Being stranded with a dead battery is bad enough at any time of year, but the cold winter months can make waiting for roadside assistance a real struggle, especially with kids. Keeping some warm clothes in the boot can be a lifesaver, so make sure to pack jackets, fleeces, hats and scarves for the whole family.

Blanket or travel rug

A blanket or travel rug is another useful item to keep you warm and comfortable if you get stuck in cold weather, particularly if you’re travelling with children or the elderly.

Food and snacks

The glove compartment is a good place to keep some snacks to keep energy levels up and blood sugars in check. Protein cereal bars are a great choice and easy to store. A couple of chocolate bars and some bottles of water will stand you in good stead if you find yourself stuck for any reason.

Hi-vis clothing

If you do have to get out of the car, either to wait for help or perhaps clear snow, you need to be seen. With fewer daylight hours in winter, it can get dark quite quickly in the evenings, so a hi-vis jacket or vest will increase your visibility to other drivers.

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Snow shovel and a broom

We’d always recommend having a snow shovel on hand during the winter to avoid getting stranded, whether you need to clear a path around your vehicle after a sudden drift or you’ve woken up in the morning and there's been heavy snowfall during the night.

At home or away, a snow shovel and broom will really come in handy to clear your path and get you on your way.

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De-icing salt

De-icing salt is a winter essential, as it works quickly to remove snow and ice without leaving any muddy residue.

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Winter screen wash

Remove dirt, salt or bugs from obscuring your view and help rain to bead and run straight off your windscreen down to -20°C, with the Halfords Advanced Rain Repellent -20°C Screen Wash. Ready to use from the bottle, winter screen wash is an easy way to keep your vision clear without needing to get out your car.

Snow chains or snow socks

If the weather really takes a turn for the worse, snow chains or socks for your tyres will help keep you moving in snowy or icy conditions. By increasing your grip on the roads and offering improved braking performance, these easy-to-fit accessories are a must-have for sudden downpours.

You can use our helpful tool to find the right snow chains for your car here. It's a good idea to practice putting them on and removing them before you really need to use them.

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Emergency warning triangle

If your car does break down, then an emergency warning triangle placed 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle on the same side of the road will alert other vehicles that you're ahead. Just be careful when you're retrieving it.

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Tow rope

Having a tow rope in the car during winter can get you out of some tricky situations, whether your car needs to be towed after a breakdown or another driver needs some help.

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Jump leads

Jump leads are useful to have in the boot of your car all year round, but particularly in winter. Typically, car batteries hold their charge using a liquid electrolyte solution, which is sensitive to varying temperatures. Colder weather slows down this chemical process, reducing the battery’s ability to hold a charge, so you might find that your battery falls flat more often in the winter.

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Tyre inflator

If you suffer a puncture and the tyre isn't completely blown, having a tyre inflator means you can add enough air to get you to your destination or the nearest garage.

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First aid kit

It’s best to be prepared for all eventualities during winter, as ice and snow can make slipping over easy. We stock a variety of different first aid kits to keep you safe and happy, so be sure to keep one handy for any winter adventures.

That being said, it's still a good idea to have a first aid kit in your car at all times of the year.

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Torch

Be sure to pack a sturdy torch for winter driving as the darker nights draw in. If you do end up stranded or stuck by the side of the road, you'll be able to take a look at the car and your surroundings without having to rely on your car's interior light or your phone.

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Spare car bulbs

You’re likely to do more driving in the dark during the winter due to the shorter days, so it’s even more important to make sure that all your lights are working – not only is it unsafe to have one out, it’s also illegal. Keep some spares in the car to make sure you can get home safely.

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Winter driving tips

Before each journey, it’s a good idea to go through the POWDERY checklist. The things to check are as follows:

• P for Petrol (or diesel) – have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?
• O for Oil – check your levels once a month
• W for Water – check your radiator and screenwash regularly. Our Halfords Advanced Rain Repellent -20°C Screen Wash is perfect for winter conditions
• D for Damage – check your wipers and lights for signs of wear and tear or damage, and make sure your windscreen, windows and lights are clear of ice and snow
• E for Electrics – check that your lights, indicators and controls are working properly
• R for Rubber tyres – make sure that they’re well inflated and free from damage, with a legal tread depth
• Y for You – are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medicine that could make it unsafe for you to drive?

2 Year Guarantee

With a 2-year guarantee across Halfords products and retail services, including Apollo, Boardman, Carrera, Voodoo and more, you can shop confidently, knowing extra cover is available if something goes wrong. Whether you’re browsing products online, shopping in-store or booking a fitting, our guarantee covers you for 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

T&C: 2-year/24,000- mile guarantee requires registration. Visit Halfords.com (Halfords.ie for ROI) for full T&Cs and restrictions.

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