Preparing Your Car for Winter

By Helen Barrett, Aftersales Manager, Read Motor Group

As an Aftersales Manager at Read Motor Group, I know just how much tougher the winter months can be on both drivers and their vehicles. Cold starts, icy windscreens, heavy rain, and darker evenings all add extra challenges. But with a few simple checks, you can make sure your car is ready to handle whatever the season throws your way.

The “FORCES” Winter Check

One of the easiest ways to remember what to look at is by using FORCES – a simple checklist that covers the most important areas:

Fuel – Keep your tank topped up. Running low in freezing weather can leave you vulnerable if you get delayed or stuck.
Oil – Regularly check levels and always use the right grade for your vehicle. Correct oil protects your engine, especially in low temperatures.
Rubber – Tyres and wiper blades are vital. Tyres should have at least 3mm tread and be inflated to the correct pressure. Replace wipers if they’re worn or streaking.
Coolant – Check the level and strength of your coolant/antifreeze. It stops your engine freezing and protects against overheating.
Electrics – Batteries often fail in winter. If yours is over four years old or struggling to start the car, it’s worth having it tested. Don’t forget to check your lights too.
Screen Wash – Use a winter-grade solution so it doesn’t freeze. Road salt and dirt mean you’ll use more than usual in the colder months.

Extra Tips for Safer Winter Driving

Keep your lights clean so you can see and be seen in poor conditions.
Pack a small emergency kit with items like a torch, scraper, blanket, water, and charger.
Don’t ignore warning signs such as slow starting or squealing wipers—these are early clues something needs attention.

How We Can Help at Read Motor Group

Across all of our dealerships, our trained technicians carry out comprehensive Winter Health Checks to take the worry off your hands. We’ll:

Test your battery and charging system.
Check tyres, tread depth, and pressures.
Inspect your brakes, fluids, heaters, wipers, and demisters.
Make sure your vehicle is safe, reliable, and ready for the colder months.

Book Your Winter Check Today

Winter always brings surprises on the roads—but your car doesn’t have to be one of them. Our workshops across Read Motor Group are here to keep you safe and prepared.

Appointments do get busy once the first frosts hit, so I’d recommend booking your winter check now. Simply contact your nearest Read Motor Group dealership or book online today.

Stay safe this winter,
Helen Barrett
Aftersales Manager, Read Motor Group

Book your Winter Check below

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Complaints Procedure:

Regulated Complaints Post: Ingeni Services Group Limited, 11 Atlas Works, Foundry Ln, Earls Colne, Colchester CO6 2TE Telephone: 01787 221 909, E-mail: info@ingeni.co.uk. If we cannot resolve your complaint within 8 weeks, you may refer your dispute to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This service is free to use. Their consumer helpline is available on 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123 or you can visit their website at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Altyre Way, Humberston, Grimsby, United Kingdom, DN36 4RJ

Reg Office: Altyre Way Humberston, Grimsby United Kingdom DN36 4RJ

Reg. Company Number: 07110298

VAT Reg. No. 613 7400 70

Financial disclosure

Read Derby Limited, Read Automotive Grimsby Limited, Read Hyundai Boston Limited, Read Hyundai Doncaster Ltd, Read Hyundai Kings Lynn Limited, Read Hyundai Limited, Read Hyundai Lincoln Limited, Read Hyundai Worksop Limited is an Appointed Representative of Ingeni Services Group Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number is 747381).

Ingeni Services Group Limited permissions as a Principal Firm allows Read Automotive Grimsby Limited, Read Hyundai Boston Limited, Read Hyundai Doncaster Ltd, Read Hyundai Kings Lynn Limited, Read Hyundai Limited, Read Hyundai Lincoln Limited, Read Hyundai Worksop Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders.

We are a credit broker and not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products. We are not an independent financial advisor, and we act on their behalf for this introduction. We may advise you on the products, subject to your personal circumstances, though you are not obliged to take our advice or recommendation. We do not charge you a fee for our services. Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow). For your reassurance, all of the lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates, but the commission we receive does not influence the interest rate you will pay.

Our aim is to secure finance for you at the lowest interest rate you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over. Guarantees may be required.

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