8th October 2026
As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, your car has to deal with very different driving conditions.
From October onwards, colder mornings, heavier rain, poor road surfaces and increased use of lights and heating can all put extra strain on your vehicle. Some problems may seem minor at first, but they can quickly leave you stuck at the roadside.
So, what are the most common causes of breakdowns during the autumn and winter months?
Here are some of the problems to look out for from October through December, plus some simple checks that could help keep you moving.
Tyres are one of the biggest causes of winter breakdowns.
Data obtained from National Highways shows that tyre issues were the most common reported cause of winter breakdowns in the UK between November 2023 and February 2024, accounting for 18.6% of breakdowns recorded in that period.
Cold weather can also affect tyre pressures, while potholes and damaged roads can cause punctures, cracks and other damage. Before heading out, check:
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm, although around 3mm is often recommended for better performance in winter conditions.
Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too, if your vehicle has one.
Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Wet roads, standing water, ice and leaves can all reduce grip, making good tyre condition particularly important during the colder months.
A battery that seems fine during summer can struggle when temperatures drop.
Cold weather reduces a battery’s ability to deliver power, while your vehicle may also be using more electricity for headlights, heating, heated screens and other equipment.
This can be particularly noticeable during the first frosts and colder nights of the year. Signs your battery could be struggling include:
Data shows that battery-related faults are a major source of winter breakdowns, with cold conditions putting additional strain on older or weakened batteries.
If your battery is several years old or you’re already noticing warning signs, it could be worth having it tested before winter really sets in.
Cold and wet weather can expose problems that may have gone unnoticed during the warmer months.
Damp conditions can affect electrical components, while issues with the alternator, starter motor or ignition system can prevent your vehicle from starting properly.
Engine problems can also become more noticeable as temperatures fall.
National Highways data analysed by cinch found that loss of power and engine problems were among the leading recorded causes of winter breakdowns between November and February.
If your dashboard warning lights come on, your engine starts behaving differently or your vehicle begins losing power, don’t ignore it.
Getting a problem checked early could help prevent a much bigger issue later.
Your vehicle relies on several fluids to keep everything working properly. As the weather gets colder, it’s worth checking your:
Low oil can contribute to engine problems, while incorrect or insufficient coolant can cause issues with temperature regulation.
Screenwash is particularly important during autumn and winter. Roads can become covered in mud, grit and salt, making it harder to keep your windscreen clear. In freezing conditions, unsuitable screenwash can also freeze.
Always use the correct fluids and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Running out of fuel is one of those breakdowns that can be surprisingly easy to avoid.
During the colder months, journeys can take longer because of traffic, poor weather and road conditions. If you’re already running low, a delayed journey could leave you with fewer options.
Out-of-fuel incidents accounted for 2.5% of the winter breakdowns recorded in the National Highways data analysed by cinch.
If you drive an electric vehicle, the same principle applies to your battery charge.
Cold weather can affect EV range, so it’s worth planning longer journeys carefully and knowing where you can charge along the way. Preheating your vehicle while it’s still connected to a charger can also help preserve battery charge for the journey.
Autumn and winter can be particularly tough on UK roads.
Rain can expose or worsen potholes, while freezing and thawing can cause road surfaces to deteriorate further. Hitting a pothole can damage tyres, wheels, suspension and steering components.
You can’t avoid every pothole, but reducing your speed and giving yourself more time to react can help.
If you hit a particularly severe pothole, check your tyres and wheels afterwards. New vibrations, steering problems or unusual noises are worth getting checked.
You can’t prevent every breakdown. However, a few simple checks can help you spot potential problems before you’re stuck at the roadside. Before a long journey, check:
Even with regular maintenance, breakdowns can happen.
If your vehicle does break down, try to move somewhere safe if possible. Switch on your hazard lights and, if you’re on a motorway or other high-speed road, follow the appropriate safety guidance and get yourself and your passengers to a safe place if you can do so safely.
It’s also worth having your breakdown provider’s number saved in your phone before you need it. And remember, breakdown cover isn’t just for winter. Having the right cover in place means you can have support when your vehicle won’t start, develops a fault or leaves you stranded.
October to December is when many of us start relying more heavily on our cars for darker commutes, school runs, shopping trips and longer journeys.
Taking a few minutes to check your vehicle now could help you avoid an unwanted roadside stop later. But if the unexpected happens, CoverMy Breakdown Cover can help get you moving again.
Get a quote today and keep moving with CoverMy.
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