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As the temperatures drop and the mornings turn frosty, it’s the perfect time to get your car ready for the winter months ahead. Cold weather, icy roads, and darker evenings can all take their toll on your vehicle and on your peace of mind.
A little preparation now can make all the difference when you’re commuting to work, doing the school run, or heading off on a Christmas holiday. So we’ve pulled together all our top tips to help you keep your Volvo (or any car) in top condition all winter long!
Winter conditions can make driving much more hazardous. Icy patches, wet leaves, and reduced daylight all increase the risk of accidents. A car that isn’t prepared for these challenges can put you, your passengers, and other road users at serious risk.
Cold weather can be tough on your car’s components, from the battery to the engine. Imagine being stuck on a dark country road with a car that won’t start, breakdowns in winter are not only inconvenient but can be dangerous. Being prepared reduces the chances of finding yourself in that situation.
Winter driving can be stressful and uncomfortable if your car isn’t functioning optimally. It’s painful setting off on a cold morning and discovering the heater isn’t working, or the defroster can’t clear your windscreen, suddenly even a short journey feels unpleasant. Being prepared ensures that journeys remain manageable and much less stressful, even in harsh weather.
Driving in winter comes with extra responsibilities. Fogged-up windows, worn tyres, or faulty lights could put you at risk and even make your car illegal to drive. Ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained not only keeps you safe but also ensures it remains road legal and compliant with UK regulations all year round.
Winter exposes your car to salt, grit, and moisture which can damage paintwork, tyres, and the underbody over time. A car that’s well looked after in winter will stay reliable, maintain its performance, and hold its value for years to come
For Volvo drivers or those considering purchasing one, our breakdown recovery service — Volvo Assistance — adds extra peace of mind. Whether it’s roadside help, vehicle recovery, car hire, or even parts delivery, Volvo Assistance ensures support is never far away.
New Volvos come with three years’ free cover, while used vehicles get one year, with options to extend. Plus, with the Volvo Promise, you’ll receive free Volvo Assistance for a year every time you service with Volvo — giving you continued 24/7 reassurance at no extra cost.
(Excludes fully electric vehicles.)For Volvo drivers or those considering purchasing one, our breakdown recovery service — Volvo Assistance — adds extra peace of mind. Whether it’s roadside help, vehicle recovery, car hire, or even parts delivery, Volvo Assistance ensures support is never far away.
New Volvos come with three years’ free cover, while used vehicles get one year, with options to extend. Plus, with the Volvo Promise, you’ll receive free Volvo Assistance for a year every time you service with Volvo — giving you continued 24/7 reassurance at no extra cost (excludes fully electric vehicles).
Cold temperatures can affect key components like your battery, brakes, lights, tyres, and fluid levels, small issues can quickly become major problems if left unchecked.
Many garages offer a dedicated winter check, which can spot potential problems before they become serious, saving you stress and costly repairs. Even a simple home check, looking for worn wipers, tyres, brakes and low fluid levels can make a big difference.
At HSF Group Volvo, we offer seasonal winter health checks for Volvo owners from as little as £30*. These checks ensure your car is safe, reliable, and fully prepared for the colder months, giving you peace of mind when the temperatures drop.
If your journeys often take you on slippery roads, winter tyres can make a huge difference. They are designed to maintain grip at lower temperatures and reduce stopping distances, giving you greater confidence in challenging conditions. This is another service available at our Volvo retailers, we can help you choose and fit the right winter tyres for your vehicle.
Being well-prepared for winter is a game changer. From clearing icy windscreens to handling breakdowns, having the right equipment in your car keeps you safe, comfortable, and in control. Here’s our list of essential winter items to help keep your Volvo protected, clean, and ready for whatever the colder months throw at you:
Washing your car regularly, especially the underbody, helps remove corrosive elements like salt, grit, and mud that build up during winter. To go the extra mile, applying a wax or protective coating before the cold sets in adds an extra layer of defence, helping to preserve your paintwork and prevent rust. Keep an eye on wheel arches, door sills, and other vulnerable areas for early signs of corrosion, and rinse them after driving on salted roads to help your car stay in top condition.
Winter breakdowns are more common due to cold batteries, frozen locks, or tyre problems, so make sure your breakdown cover is valid and up to date, and that it includes the services you may need, such as recovery or roadside assistance. Keep your provider’s contact details accessible in the car, so you can get help quickly if something goes wrong.
For Volvo Drivers or those considering purchasing one, our breakdown recovery service - Volvo Assistance adds extra peace of mind. Whether it's roadside help, vehicle recovery, car hire or even parts delivery, Volvo Assistance ensures support is never far away.New Volvos come with three years' free cover, while used vehicles get one year, with options to extend. Plus, with the Volvo Promise, you'll receive free Volvo Assistance for a year every time you service with Volvo, giving you continued 24/7 reassurance at no extra cost (excludes fully electric vehicles).
Winter weather can make travel times unpredictable, with delays caused by ice, snow, or poor visibility. Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions, especially for longer trips or unfamiliar routes. It’s also wise to allow extra time for de-icing your car and driving more slowly in poor conditions.
Even the most experienced drivers can be caught out by slippery roads. Reduced visibility, ice, and snow all mean stopping distances increase dramatically in winter. Slowing down gives you more time to react and helps maintain control of your car, especially when turning or braking. Use gentle steering, acceleration, and braking to avoid skidding, and remember, even if a road looks clear, it could still be icy, particularly in shaded or rural areas. A good rule of thumb is to keep your distance from the car in front, at least double the normal gap.
Cold weather can bring hidden issues to the surface. If a warning light appears on your dashboard, whether it’s for the battery, oil pressure, or tyre pressure, don’t ignore it. Winter can intensify existing problems, and what might seem minor could quickly become serious. Addressing warning lights promptly can prevent costly repairs or even breakdowns in freezing conditions. If you’re unsure what a warning light means, check your car’s manual or get professional advice as soon as possible.
With a little preparation, your car is ready to tackle the challenges of the colder months. From checking your tyres and fluids to stocking essential equipment and planning your journeys carefully, you’ve taken all the steps to winter-proof your car.
Ready for your next read? Check out our Used EV Buying Guide: A Checklist For First-Time Buyers and make your next car purchase as stress-free as your winter driving!