Snow essentials buyer’s guide

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can all disrupt your journey. Keeping the right essentials close by can help you deal with common winter driving challenges, such as:

• Reduced visibility from darker evenings
• Frozen wiper blades, windscreen and windows
• Flat batteries caused by cold temperatures
• Condensation builds up inside the car
• Poorer driving conditions such as heavy rain, wind, fog, ice and snow
• Tyre damage from potholes and debris on the road

Winter car essentials

Let’s start with everything you should have in your car over winter. As well as warm clothes, blankets and sturdy boots, you’ll want to keep the following on you:

• First aid kit – In case of an emergency, a first aid kit contains essential supplies to help treat minor injuries and provide immediate care
• Jump leads – keep jump leads handy in the boot as cold temperatures can affect your battery.
• Shovel – a shovel can help clear snow from your driveway, so you have a safer entry and exit.
• Car or screen cover – ideal to stop frost building up on your windscreen.
• Screenwash with an anti-freezing agent in it; look for a temperature range from -1 to -30 degrees.
• De-icer spray to clear your windscreen quicker on cold mornings

Snow socks

We also recommend investing in a pair of snow socks for your tyres. Our snow socks let you drive and brake with precision and stability on snow or ice, even over relatively long distances on roads where there are patches of clear tarmac.

These socks come in a range of sizes, and they’re the perfect alternative for cars where snow chains aren’t feasible because there’s not enough room between the wheel and the car body.

Ice scraper

An ice scraper is a winter must-have, helping you clear frost and ice from your windscreen before setting off. The Halfords Advanced Telescopic Ice Scraper extends up to 47cm, making it easier to clear larger windscreens and reach tricky areas on SUVs and vans. Compact enough to keep in the boot of your vehicle, it's ideal for helping you get on the road quickly on frosty mornings.

If the snow is thick, then pick up a Halfords Advanced Ice Scraper, it features a strong shovel head to help clear snow, plus built-in ice breaker teeth for tackling stubborn frost. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your glovebox, so it's always ready for when temperatures drop.

Safety checklist

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

• Fuel – Make sure you have enough fuel (or charge if you drive an EV) for your journey and know where you can top up if needed.
• Oil – Check your oil level regularly to help keep your engine running smoothly.
• Water – Top up screenwash and check coolant levels, especially during colder weather.
• Damage – Check your wiper blades, lights and windscreen for signs of wear or damage. Clear any ice, snow or dirt before you drive.
• Electrics – Make sure your headlights, brake lights, indicators and other controls are working properly.
• Tyres – Check tyre pressures, tread depth and look for any signs of damage.
• You – Make sure you're fit to drive and feeling alert before starting your journey.

You’re now ready to tackle some of the most common winter driving challenges. If you need any advice, pop into your local Halfords store and our colleagues will be happy to help.

Shop all winter motoring essentials