Mechanical Checklist
There are a few simple checks you can do yourself to prepare your vehicle for the trip. Your tyres are likely to make the most difference to your experience with driving on snow. If your resort is at a high altitude, and the road is likely to be snow covered, then you should consider investing in a set of snow (winter) tyres. They make a huge difference to the vehicles traction and your overall control. Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. For winter motoring, at least 3mm of tread is recommended and certainly no less than 2mm.
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Remember to also check:
Battery: A battery rarely last longer than 5 years and winter driving, often in the dark with lights, heaters and windscreen wipers going, puts a lot of additional strain on it. Consider replacing it before you go if it is approaching the end of it’s life
Fluids: Check the oil and water levels and ensure they are topped up correctly. Pay particular attention to the anti-freeze and windscreen wash – use a proper additive at the right concentration so that it doesn’t freeze up on you in the cold
Lights: Check that all lights are working, clean and correctly aimed. For driving on the continent you must fit headlight converters to adjust your beams so that you don’t dazzle on-coming vehicles when driving on the right. Converter kits are widely available but don’t leave it until the last minute as certain makes of vehicle may require a dealer to make the adjustment
Windscreen wipers: Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting and replace if necessar
Number Plates: Your number plates should be clean and legible as it is possible to be fined if they cannot be read. Motorists from the UK should also have a GB sticker on their car although since March 2001, plates with a GB Euro badge have replaced the need for a conventional sticker when travelling within the EU.