Inspect your tyres and prepare for the weather before your T.R.I.P. this winter
As temperatures fall and snow, ice and heavy rain become more common, our teams will be out day and night keeping roads clear and reliable this winter. We’re asking every driver to do their bit too.
Winter conditions can put additional demands on vehicles so it's even more important that drivers complete their T.R.I.P. checks before setting off.
Over the last four years, the number of winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads has increased by 26%. Tyre issues are one of the leading causes, accounting for 19% of breakdowns last winter.
However, 37% of UK drivers say they would ignore a Met Office weather warning and make their journey on a motorway or A-road regardless. More than half (59%) have driven in winter weather when they felt it was unsafe, and 44% don’t carry an emergency winter kit.
Tyre tread depth can also have a significant impact on stopping distances, particularly in wet conditions. At 50mph, wet braking distances on tyres with 1.6mm tread (the legal minimum limit), can be around two car lengths’ longer than on new tyres with 8mm tread.
Before you travel:
- allow time to check your tyre treads and get them replaced if there is less than 1.6mm of tread (the legal minimum)
- check your tyres’ pressure and ensure they are suitable for the load you are carrying
- check the condition and age of all your tyres to make sure they don’t have any cuts, bulges or other damage to the tyre walls
Putting off tyre maintenance might save money today, but it can quickly become a far more expensive problem if it leads to a breakdown.
As well as inspecting your tyres before your journey, checking the rest of your vehicle and carrying a well-stocked T.R.I.P. kit can reduce the risk of avoidable breakdowns, save time and help keep traffic moving.
Play our T.R.I.P. Fill Your Boots game
We’ve created a T.R.I.P. Fill Your Boots online game to show you the simple T.R.I.P. safety checks you should be doing before setting off on a journey.
Play the game and enter nowT.R.I.P. Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare
T
Top-up
fuel, oil, screen-wash
Top-up
Fill up fuel, check your oil and screen-wash, ensure you're charged.
Over 33% of breakdowns are caused by vehicles running out of fuel, losing power or engine issues. Some of these problems can be avoided if you check and top up your vehicle's fluid levels.
Running out of fuel is serious and can leave you and other road users in a risky situation.
In cold temperatures, electric vehicles use more energy for heating and comfort, which can slightly reduce driving range. Planning ahead supports safe, efficient driving year-round.
Before you set off, make sure your battery is sufficiently charged and plan your journey to include stops where you can charge your vehicle en-route.
Check your oil level: use the dipstick to check and top up if required.
Check your screen wash is topped up so you can clear any debris or dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility.
R
Rest
every 2 hours
Rest
Plan to take a break every 2 hours
Having stopping to take a rest when driving is not only important for your safety, but also contributes to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.
Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before you travel. Plan your journey and factor in rest stops with a minimum break of at least 15 minutes every two hours to help you stay alert.
What are the risks of not taking regular breaks?
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Your ability to detect threats decreases, and your reaction time increases.
- Negative effects on your mood and behaviour behind the wheel.
I
Inspect
tyres
Inspect
check tyre tread and car tyre pressure
Over the last four years, the number of breakdowns recorded on major roads has increased by 24%. However, many of these are avoidable. In 2025, 19% were because of tyre issues.
During the wet, snowy or icy weather, checking your tyre pressure, condition and tread depth is even more important. Before you leave, allow time to check your tyre treads - and get them replaced if there is less than 1.6mm of tread. If you're stopped by the police and your tyre treads are less than 1.6mm you could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.
You should check your tyres’ pressure too. Driving with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can adversely affect your braking distance, steering, fuel efficiency and the lifetime of your tyres.
You should look around each tyre to make sure they don’t have any cuts, bulges or other damage to the tyre walls. It’s also worth checking the condition and age of your tyres - including the spare. Older tyres could be cracked or perished, even if the tread depth and pressure are fine.
Tyres sold in the UK have a four-digit DOT code on the side that shows the age of the tyre. The last two digits represent the year the tyre was manufactured.
You should also check your lights. Winter means shorter days, darker evenings and poorer visibility, particularly during severe weather. Before setting off, check your headlights and rear lights are clean, working and in good condition, so you can see clearly and other road users can see you.
Learn more about tyre maintenance on our vehicle checks page
P
Prepare
for weather
Prepare
for the weather
The weather can have a big impact on your journey, and winter driving conditions demand more from drivers. Clean windscreens and lights will help with visibility, and a pair of sunglasses can make driving easier when the sun is low. It’s also worth keeping a few essentials in the car like warm clothes, coats, water, a torch, a shovel, a blanket and some non-perishable snacks.
Take a moment to check the forecast for your route and destination, so you’re ready for snow, ice or rain.
