Check Your Tyres: Grip is Everything

Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road — and in winter, that contact becomes even more critical. Cold temperatures harden rubber, reduce traction and make everyday driving more unpredictable. That’s why a full tyre check is the number one winter priority.

Tread Depth (Minimum 3mm recommended)

Although the legal minimum is 1.6mm, winter conditions demand more grip. A 3–4mm tread gives significantly better braking performance on cold, wet or icy roads.

Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure drops naturally as temperatures fall — sometimes by several PSI. Underinflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency, stability and braking distance. Our Startin technicians will set the correct winter pressures for your specific model.

Wear Patterns

Uneven wear can indicate tracking or suspension issues, both of which affect safety and steerability on slippery surfaces. A quick visual inspection can prevent bigger problems later.

Test Your Battery: Avoid Winter Breakdowns

Cold weather is the number one cause of battery failures, as low temperatures reduce battery capacity and make starting harder. Even a healthy battery can lose up to 35% of its strength in freezing conditions.

A Winter Health Check at Startin includes:

Charging system test

Ensuring the alternator and charging circuits are performing correctly.

Corrosion inspection

Corroded terminals cause intermittent power issues and difficult starts.

Cold Cranking Capacity test

We check whether your battery can deliver enough power to start the car on freezing mornings.

Top Up Fluids and Anti-Freeze

Winter places extra demand on all vehicle fluids. Keeping them topped up and winter-ready avoids breakdowns and maintains performance.

Coolant / Anti-freeze

This prevents your engine and hybrid systems from freezing. We test strength and concentration to ensure full protection.

Winter Screenwash

Winter formulas include anti-freeze additives that prevent the wash from freezing in the reservoir or on the windscreen.

Engine Oil for Cold Starts

Thicker oil struggles in low temperatures. Our workshops ensure your engine is running the correct oil grade for winter efficiency and smooth starts.

Lights, Wipers & Visibility: Stay Seen, Stay Safe

Visibility drops sharply during winter with long dark evenings, low sun glare and heavy rain.

Replace worn wipers

Streaking, smearing or noisy wipers are one of the main causes of poor visibility.

Check all headlights, indicators and brake lights

A blown bulb increases your stopping distance and makes it harder for others to see you. We also check alignment and brightness.

Clean foggy or oxidised lenses

Clouded lenses reduce headlight output by up to 60%. A simple lens clean can drastically improve road visibility.

Prepare a Winter Safety Kit

Every car should carry basic winter essentials — especially for longer journeys.

Essential items:

Ice scraper & de-icer spray

Warm blanket, hat & gloves

Torch with spare batteries

Power bank for phone charging

First-aid kit & basic tools

Startin Parts have genuine winter accessories designed specifically for your model — from boot organisers to emergency kits.

Check Your Brakes & Stopping Distance

Braking performance is critical in winter, when stopping distances can double in wet or icy conditions.
At Startin, we recommend inspecting:

• Brake pad thickness

• Brake disc wear

• Fluid condition and moisture levels

• ABS operation

If you’ve noticed squeaking, vibration, or a “longer” brake pedal, book a brake inspection before winter driving ramps up.