Tips for preparing your car for winter driving 22/11/18




Cold weather requires us to not only change the way we drive to suit the driving conditions, it also means your vehicle has to made ready to cope with the conditions as well. Here are some things you need to do to ensure your vehicle is ready for cold weather.


Ensure your engine cooling system can cope with the temperatures

Ensure you have Anti-freeze in your radiator. If water freezes in your cooling system it will expand and you may end up with a split coolant hose or a damaged radiator.


Check your ignition system

Most modern vehicles are fitted with electronic ignition systems these days, but some older vehicles may not. Check that your leads are in good condition and use a water repelling sealer spray on them if you are unsure.

Old car batteries have are more likely to fail in cold weather, if you get a battery warning light in your car it could be a sign that your battery is failing. Check your battery is in good condition and if necessary, purchase a new one before its too late.


Check your lights

As the evenings draw in you are likely to be using your lights more than usual. Check that all your lights are working properly this winter.


Brakes and tyres

Ensure your brakes and tyres are in good condition. Remember grip on the road is vital when things turn icy.


Windscreen washers and wiper blades

There will be a lot more dirt and muck thrown up by passing vehicles during the winter months. Make sure that you have plenty of winter (with anti-freeze) screenwash in your car. Also your wipers are likely to see more use, so if they are more than a couple of years old, it might be wise to replace them.

Drive safely and prepare your car for the winter!


All content is believed to be accurate at the time of publication.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury