UK roads are known to be a little unpredictable, especially during the colder months. With plenty of rain and freezing temperatures to contend with, there’s more of a chance that something may go wrong on your travels – so it’s important that drive prepared and stock up on some winter essentials.
Not sure what to bring? Don’t worry, we’ve got our top must-have items to help you get out of any wintry pickle.
Antifreeze
Often overlooked, antifreeze helps keep your engine ticking over, stopping the water in its cooling system from freezing and preventing the whole thing from overheating. Different makes and models use different kinds of antifreeze, all with different concentrations, so it’s best to check your vehicle’s handbook to find out which one you need.
One of our top sellers is Comma Super Longlife Red concentrated antifreeze & coolant - known for its five-year long-life protection and for being effective even at -36°c.
Screenwash
Battling snow, slush and road salt is never easy at the best of times. Trying to do it when you’re out of screenwash is a nightmare! To avoid trying to awkwardly peer through the grit smears, remember to top up your screenwash regularly and keep a bottle in your boot for emergencies.
Try CarPlan All Seasons concentrated screen wash – it removes traffic film and dirt and has an anti-smear formulation to keep your screen sparkling clean.
Ice scraper
Debit cards. Notebooks. Even your bare hands. Admit it – you’ve probably used at least one of these to clear your windscreen on a freezing cold morning when you’re already running late for work. Just save yourself the hassle – and half an hour – and invest in a proper ice scraper.
If we’ve summed up your winter morning routine, why not shop for a new ice scraper before the frosty mornings come in?
De-icer
If you’re an impatient soul, grab a can of de-icer to speed things up a little more. Here’s a handy tip, too: to save the rubber seals on your doors from freezing and potentially being damaged when you open them on a cold morning, give them a quick spritz with de-icer the night before.
For super de-icing swiftness, Polygard de-icer is a great choice.
First aid kit
Cuts, grazes, bumps and scrapes can happen at any time of the year, but winter poses its own set of challenges, especially when there’s ice underfoot. Having a first aid kit in your glovebox is a great idea all year round, as it allows you to deal with minor injuries on the spot while you’re out and about.
For the cream of the first aid crop, why not choose one of these vehicle first aid kits?
Dash cam
Accidents are common in winter and sometimes they can be simply unavoidable. However, proving that a crash wasn’t your fault can be extremely difficult, especially when it involves other parties. This is when a dashboard camera really comes in handy.
We have a wide collection of dash cams from a range of manufacturers, but our top seller is the Ring Smart dash cam 3000. The device is equipped with a small battery that has 2 functions: maintaining the day and time, and carry on recording for a very short period if the vehicle has been hit & the 12V supply has been potentially interrupted.
Check out our whole dash cam collection here.
Torch
Stranded at the roadside? Need to change a wheel in the dark? In emergencies, it’s important that you can see your surroundings – and be seen by other motorists! That’s why a torch is a must-have addition to your winter car kit.
To keep you safe in the dark, we recommend the AA essentials torch.
Tyre inflator
Low temperatures mean more potholes, and more flat tyres. Don’t get caught short – keep a tyre inflator in your car to safeguard against being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
We have our own Arnold Clark emergency air compressor & tyre puncture sealant kit. This kit is compact, simple to use, and will ensure you (and your tyres) will get home no matter what happens.
Or, check out our complete range of tyre inflators here.
Battery jump pack
Dead battery? That can happen frequently in winter. Chilly nights can really deplete your car’s battery and its ability to store energy when you’re on the move, so don’t be shocked if your car has trouble starting up in the morning. Keep calm and reach for some jump leads to get you on the move again, no matter the weather!
The Noco 3000A Ultra Safe lithium jump starter is a great bit of kit to have in your car in winter, just in case!
Bulbs
When you’re driving in the dark, it’s important to see and be seen. Driving with broken bulbs not only endangers you, but those around you. So, if you need a new bulb, be a bright spark and fix it quick. Plus, it’s always a good idea to add a couple of spares to your winter car kit.
Browse bulbs here!
Safety travel kit
Now, this list is pretty extensive, and it might seem a little daunting to try and make sure you have everything you need for a winter emergency. So, if you want to make your life easier, check out our 3 in 1 safety travel kit. This comes with a first aid kit, hi-vis vest, hazard warning triangle, and a handy storage bag that fits easily into your car’s boot.
While this kit doesn’t have everything we recommend, it is a great place to start and might make all the difference in an emergency. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be reading this in November, you’ll be able to snag this handy kit during our Black Friday Sale, so it will be even better value than normal!
Find a huge range of products that are great for the winter months here.
If you enjoyed reading this blog, you might also enjoy reading:
- How to de-ice a windscreen quickly and safely
- Protect your car from snow and ice this winter
- Top tips for driving in snow and ice
