← Winter driving guides · All guides
By Jeremy Powell · 2 November 2026 · 4 minute read
If your van won’t start on a freezing morning, the problem isn’t just a breakdown. It can mean a missed appointment, a delayed customer and a day’s income at risk. A few basic checks before winter can reduce avoidable surprises.
This guide is for drivers of ordinary light vans used by plumbers, electricians, builders and other trades. Heavier commercial vehicles have additional inspection requirements; follow the rules for your vehicle and business.
Start with the tyres
Look for obvious cuts, bulges, nails and uneven wear. Check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s information for the load you’re carrying, not simply the number printed on the tyre sidewall. A van loaded with tools and materials may need different pressures from an empty one.
For cars and light vans, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. That’s the legal floor, not a winter performance target. As practical advice, consider replacing tyres around 3 mm rather than waiting for the legal minimum, especially if you often drive in rain, but this is a recommendation, not a separate UK legal limit.
Check the spare if your van has one, and know whether you carry a repair kit instead. If a tyre looks damaged or is losing pressure, have it inspected rather than simply topping it up indefinitely.
Keep the windscreen clear
Winter screenwash needs to be suitable for low temperatures. Follow the product’s dilution instructions and check that the washer jets actually spray the glass. A full reservoir is little use if the jets are frozen or the wipers smear grime across the windscreen.
Inspect the wiper blades for splitting or poor contact. Clear snow and ice from all windows before moving, not just a small patch in front of the driver. The Highway Code says you must be able to see, and it specifically requires snow and ice to be cleared from windows before setting off.
Keep an ice scraper and de-icer handy. Never use boiling water on a frozen windscreen. Allow the demister to work properly, and clear the mirrors and number plates as well.
Lights and electrics
Check dipped headlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators and the rear number plate light. Road grime can make otherwise working lights harder to see, so clean the lenses. Remember that daytime running lights on many vans don’t automatically illuminate the rear lamps.
A weak battery often reveals itself when the temperature drops. If the starter turns slowly, the van repeatedly needs a jump-start or the charging warning stays on, arrange a proper battery and charging-system check. Don’t assume a new battery will solve every starting problem.
Fluids, cooling and servicing
Check oil, coolant and washer fluid as described in your van’s handbook. The Highway Code recommends checking fluid levels at least weekly and ensuring appropriate antifreeze is present before winter. Never open a hot cooling-system cap.
If the van is due a service, plan it before your busiest winter weeks rather than waiting for a fault to interrupt work. Look out for new leaks, overheating, unusual smells or warning lights. A vehicle that has passed its MOT can still develop faults afterwards.
If your van has a diesel particulate filter or AdBlue system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and respond to dashboard warnings. Avoid improvised repairs or ignoring countdown messages.
Carry a sensible winter kit
Keep a torch, charged phone or power bank, warm clothing, gloves, a high-visibility garment, drinking water and suitable footwear in the van. An ice scraper, de-icer and small shovel can be useful. Store heavy tools and emergency equipment securely so they cannot become dangerous in a sudden stop.
Check your breakdown cover, especially whether it covers commercial use and the type of work you do. Let someone know if you’re travelling to a remote job in bad weather.
Before setting off
Check the forecast and road conditions. Highway Code Rule 228 advises avoiding icy or snowy journeys unless essential. If you must travel, allow more time, slow down and leave more space. In icy conditions, stopping distances can be much longer than on a dry road.
Look around the van before getting in. Are the windows clear? Are lights and number plates visible? Are tyres obviously sound? Is the load secured? Can you actually see out of the mirrors?
A few minutes spent on the van before the first customer is easier than trying to explain a preventable delay later. Keep a simple weekly checklist and get a garage involved when something needs more than a visual check.
Sources: Highway Code Annex 6; Rules 228–230; GOV.UK safe vehicle checks. The 3 mm replacement suggestion is advice, not law.
These are basic checks, not a substitute for a garage inspection. The Highway Code on GOV.UK is the authority on the rules.
Share this guide
Copy-ready short version — free to reuse:
Tradespeople: give your van a winter check before the first early-morning job. Look at the tyres for cuts, bulges and wear; check pressures for the load you carry. The legal minimum tread for a light van is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters and around the full circumference. Around 3 mm is a sensible replacement point to consider in wet weather, but it’s advice, not law. Check winter screenwash, wipers, lights, battery condition and fluid levels. Clear all windows, mirrors, lights and number plates before moving. Keep a torch, warm clothing, scraper and phone charger in the van, with equipment safely secured. If ice or snow is forecast, consider whether the journey is essential and allow extra time. A five-minute check is better than losing a day’s work. Full guide: https://powellhosts.co.uk/guides/winter/winter-van-checklist-tradespeople
Optional credit: Source: Powell Hosts (powellhosts.co.uk). Credit is appreciated, not required.
Powell Hosts builds websites for garages, MOT centres and tradespeople. See websites for tradespeople.