Winter is one of the toughest times of year for your vehicle, and Telford drivers know all too well how unpredictable the roads can be. From freezing mornings to sudden downpours and the occasional snowfall, it’s the season when small issues quickly turn into big problems. That’s why preparing your car properly is the smartest thing you can do before the cold weather really sets in.
At Jacko Tyres, we help drivers across Telford stay safe, road-ready and confident through every season. So we’ve put together this ultimate winter driving checklist for 2026 — practical, simple, and designed to keep you and your vehicle in top shape.
1. Check Your Tyres Before Temperatures Drop
Your tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so they’re your first line of defence in winter. If there’s one thing not to skip, it’s a proper tyre check.
Start with your tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but winter driving is far safer with at least 3mm to help disperse water and maintain grip. Tyre pressures also naturally drop as temperatures fall, so keep an eye on those too. Under-inflated tyres reduce control, increase braking distance and burn more fuel — none of which you want on a dark, icy morning.
For extra confidence, winter tyres or all-season tyres are worth considering. They’re designed to stay flexible in low temperatures and offer improved traction in snow, frost and heavy rain.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your driving habits, Jacko Tyres can advise and supply the right fit for your car and budget.
2. Make Sure Your MOT Isn’t Due Soon
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a frosty car, heading out to work, and realising your MOT is due this week — especially during the winter rush.
If your MOT date lands between December and February, get it booked early. Winters are busy for garages, and issues that might have gone unnoticed in summer often show up when the weather turns. Worn brakes, dim headlights, low tyre tread and corroded exhausts are all more common this time of year.
A winter MOT check gives you peace of mind, ensures your car remains road legal and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Jacko Tyres provides reliable, fair MOT testing with clear explanations and no stress — so you know exactly where you stand before the harshest months hit.
3. Test Your Battery
Cold weather is tough on car batteries. Engines require more power to start in low temperatures, and older or weak batteries often give up when you least expect it.
If your car is slow to turn over, if your lights dim when starting, or if the battery is more than three to four years old, now’s the time to get it tested. A quick battery check can prevent a winter breakdown and save you waiting for roadside assistance in the freezing cold.
4. Top Up Essential Fluids
Winter driving demands more from your vehicle, so keeping fluids topped up is vital.
Screenwash is the big one — you’ll use far more of it in winter thanks to grit, salt and road spray. Make sure you’re using a winter-grade formula that won’t freeze. Coolant, oil and brake fluid levels should also be checked, as low levels can cause serious issues in icy conditions.
Jacko Tyres can help you check and top up fluids during any tyre or MOT appointment, giving your vehicle a full seasonal once-over.
5. Check Your Lights and Wipers
Shorter days mean more time driving in the dark, fog and rain. Visibility becomes a major safety concern, so now’s the moment to check all lights — headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.
Wipers also take a beating during winter. If they smear, skip or leave streaks, replace them before the weather gets worse. Clear vision is non-negotiable in winter driving.
6. Stock a Simple Winter Emergency Kit
The goal is always to avoid breakdowns, but winter is unpredictable, so a small emergency kit can make a huge difference. A blanket, torch, phone charger, de-icer and a pair of gloves can turn a bad situation into a manageable one. Even keeping a small bag of grit in the boot can help you get unstuck from icy driveways.
7. Plan Ahead for Frosty Mornings
Telford winters come with plenty of frosty starts. Give yourself extra time in the mornings and always defrost your entire windscreen — not just a small patch. Driving with restricted visibility is dangerous and can result in a fine.
Never pour boiling water on your windscreen, as it can crack the glass. Use proper de-icer spray and let the car warm naturally.
8. Let Jacko Tyres Get You Winter-Ready
Whether it’s winter tyres, an MOT, a battery replacement or a seasonal vehicle check, Jacko Tyres is here to help Telford drivers stay safe through every cold snap. Our team offers honest advice, quick turnarounds and high-quality service, making winter car care simple and stress-free.
If you want peace of mind heading into 2026, book your winter check today and avoid the seasonal rush.
Do you need help from our experts?
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