Winter driving checklist and car kit

The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, so from Monday most of us will be driving home in the dark. Add frost, rain and the odd snow day, and winter is the toughest time of year for you and your car. This guide covers what to keep in the car, what the law says you must do before setting off, and a 10-minute check you can do on the drive.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against the Highway Code on GOV.UK and the RAC and AA winter guides.

What to keep in your car this winter

The Highway Code (rule 228) says that if you have to drive in icy or snowy weather, you should take an emergency kit of:

  • De-icer and an ice scraper
  • A torch
  • Warm clothing and boots
  • A first aid kit
  • Jump leads
  • A shovel
  • A warm drink and emergency food, in case you get stuck or break down

The RAC and AA add a few more that are worth having:

  • A phone charger or power pack, so you can call for help
  • A blanket
  • A hi-vis vest, so you can be seen if you have to get out in the dark
  • A warning triangle (never use one on a motorway)
  • Screenwash with a winter-strength mix
  • Water and snacks

Before you set off: what the law says

Rule 229 of the Highway Code says that before you drive you must:

  • be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
  • make sure your lights are clean and your number plates are clearly visible and legible

You should also clear your mirrors, demist the windows fully and remove any snow that could fall off into the path of other road users, including snow on the roof. A good scraper and a can of de-icer turn this into a two-minute job.

Your 10-minute winter car check

Tyres

Cars must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round (Highway Code, Annex 6). More tread helps in wet and icy conditions. Look for cuts and bulges, and set the pressures from your handbook. A tread depth gauge and a digital pressure gauge take the guesswork out of it.

Lights

With darker evenings, check your headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights all work, and clean them often, because winter road dirt dims them fast. Keep spare bulbs in the glovebox.

Wipers and screenwash

Look for split or smearing wiper blades and top up the screenwash with a winter-strength mix.

Battery

Cold weather shows up a weak battery. If the engine turns over slowly or the battery is getting old, have it checked before the first frost. A jump starter or battery charger means you're not stuck waiting for help.

Coolant

Coolant contains antifreeze to protect your engine. Check the level, and if you're not sure of the right type, look in your handbook.

Driving in ice, snow, rain and fog

  • Ice and snow: stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads (rule 230). Drive in as high a gear as possible, and accelerate and brake very gently (rule 231).
  • Rain: stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads (rule 227).
  • Fog: you must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you can't see more than 100 metres (rule 226). You must switch fog lights off when visibility improves (rule 236).
  • Before you go: check the forecast, and don't drive in ice or snow unless your journey is essential (rule 228).

Shop the winter kit

  • Winter car kit, £40.99: snow brush and ice scraper, windscreen de-icer spray, rechargeable torch, hi-vis vest and a windscreen frost cover.
  • Winter car kit with jump starter, £80.99: everything above plus a 12V jump starter with tyre inflator and power bank, and a warning triangle.
  • Snow socks, £39.99: textile covers that slip over your tyres for extra grip when you're caught out by snow.
  • Car first aid kit in hard-shell case, £16.99: one of the Highway Code's winter kit items.
See the full winter driving range, or browse breakdown essentials and screenwash and de-icers.

Is your MOT due this winter?

Worn tyres, blown bulbs and tired wipers show up in winter, and they're also among the things an MOT checks. Check your MOT and tax dates free on CheckMOT and set a free MOT reminder so it never sneaks up on you. GOV.UK says you can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

FAQs

When do the clocks go back in 2026?

At 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, when the UK goes back to Greenwich Mean Time. That means lighter mornings but darker evenings for the drive home.

Is it illegal to drive with snow on the car?

The Highway Code says you must clear all snow and ice from all your windows, and make sure your lights and number plates are clean and legible. It also says you should remove any snow that might fall off into the path of other road users, so clear the roof too.

What should I keep in my car in winter?

The Highway Code (rule 228) lists de-icer and an ice scraper, a torch, warm clothing and boots, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, and a warm drink and emergency food. A phone charger, a blanket and a hi-vis vest are worth adding.

What is the legal minimum tyre tread in the UK?

For cars it is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round the tyre. More tread gives better grip in wet and icy weather.

When can I use my fog lights?

Only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you can't see more than 100 metres. You must switch them off when visibility improves, because they can dazzle other drivers and hide your brake lights.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources linked above.