Off-Roading in Winter: Your Essential Checklist

Winter can bring some of the most challenging driving conditions, regardless of whether you own a regular car or a 4x4. Off-roading in icy or snowy conditions can present unique risks, while there’s also the added issue of traffic and slippery conditions on regular roads. For this reason, we’ve created some essential winter checklists for your 4x4 to help keep you safe and ensure you’re always prepared when driving.

How to prepare your 4x4 for winter

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your 4x4 for the winter season is to swap your regular tyres for winter tyres. This will give you an improved grip out on the road when combined with the proper pressure levels. 

There are a few things to check and top-up under your bonnet, such as your screenwash (make sure it contains antifreeze), coolant, oil and even your battery. On the outside of the vehicle, replace your wiper blades with fresh ones and check all your lights are working fully, as these can be crucial for you and other road users when visibility is poor.

Essential items to keep in your 4x4 in winter

If you’re a keen off-roader, you may have some essential items in your 4x4 at all times anyway, but there are a few key items you simply must have in winter to ensure you can meet the demands of the weather. 

The first category of items are things to keep you warm if you break down or get stuck. That’s things like a blanket, a hat, gloves, thick socks, a scarf and a big winter coat — preferably a high-vis one. Things to help you with wintery conditions outside the vehicle include a shovel to dig out any snow, a torch to help you in the dark and a de-icer to help clear away ice from your windscreen. 

In the event you find yourself stranded and waiting either for traffic to move or for rescue, you will want to have some emergency food items handy and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. A phone charger for your car will also be crucial if you need to call for roadside assistance.

4x4 winter driving tips

While a 4x4 certainly makes it easier to handle different terrain, you still need to think carefully about how you drive in winter. The first thing to point out is that you should only drive during heavy snow if it’s absolutely necessary, so avoid making needless journeys. 

If you’re setting off after a snowfall, make sure you clear all the ice and snow from your windscreen and the roof of your car before you move off. Ensure you drive at a reduced speed and keep your distance from vehicles in front to provide more braking distance and help avoid accidents.

Remember that visibility is poor in winter, so use your headlights as you need them, with extra vigilance for stranded vehicles if there has been a lot of snow or a combination of rain and sub-zero temperatures.

Get your 4x4 ready for any winter conditions that lie ahead with our parts, accessories and tyres range here at Milner Off Road. Order online today and get rapid despatch on deliveries worldwide.