Whether you’re running out to your local shop for last-minute mince pies or committing to that long Boxing Day drive to see the in-laws, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is your car! With so much to do and think about, drive reassured that your vehicle can get you where you need to be this Christmas with a little help from Halfords.
We’re proud to partner with National Highways to support their T-R-I-P campaign, which aims to help drivers stay safe and prepared on the roads by focusing on four key areas: Topping up essential fluids and fuel, Resting every 2 hours, Inspecting tyres, and Preparing for all weather conditions.
Although Halfords is ready all year round to support you whatever the weather, it’s even more essential to prepare properly for winter. With rapid weather changes, including heavy rain, snow, and ice, there are increased risks associated with driving home for Christmas!
Here at Halfords, we’ve got everything you need to ensure you’re safe and road-ready, from car checks to MOTs and servicing. Get ready as we explore how to travel safely this Christmas.
Car checks and maintenance
The last thing any driver wants is to hear their engine start spluttering or feel a tyre go out beneath them on a snowy road. But worry not, as car troubles can be prevented with some simple checks and maintenance steps.
Car checks
Our car checks are designed to help you stay safe on the road throughout the icy season by inspecting essential car components like tyres, batteries and wiper blades. We’ve got three main options to choose from, all of which can be booked online at a time and location that suits you:
- Free 5-Point Car Check: Quick, easy, and completely free. An experienced technician will review your car’s headlights and brake lights, the condition of your wiper blades, car battery, and windscreen, as well as your MOT due date.
- 10-Point Car Check: Our 10-point check is for drivers who are looking for a more thorough assessment. A technician will check the areas covered in the 5-point check, as well as your car’s tyre tread depth, tyre inflation level (and top it up), oil level, screen wash level (and top it up), and AdBlue and coolant levels. Book online today and unlock peace of mind that your vehicle is in tip-top condition this winter.
- 30-Point Car Safety Inspection: This is our ultimate car check, which covers all the main components of your car. It’s the ideal choice if your car hasn’t had a service for a while and your MOT isn’t due.
MOT and servicing
If your MOT is due this winter, bundling it with a service is a great way to save time and money. There are even further savings to be made when you join Halfords Motoring Club, with our Premium tier offering an MOT included in your membership! Think of all the mince pies and mulled wine you can buy with that extra cash…
We’ve got three bundle options for you, depending on the level of service you’re after:
You can easily book a hybrid service and MOT or an electric vehicle service and MOT too! Book online or drop into your local Halfords garage to arrange your slot and get your car prepared for Christmas.
For ultimate safety and reassurance, our Winter Preparation Service offers a comprehensive bundle to ensure you’ll successfully be ‘driving home for Christmas’! This service includes various essential checks as well as an oil and AdBlue level check, a screenwash top-up, an antifreeze change, and a premium Duxback windscreen treatment.
Halfords Mobile experts
We know Christmas can get manic! That’s why our mobile experts are here to save the day. With at-home and workplace visits available, we’ll come to you, offering a wide range of mobile services, including tyre fittings, battery replacement, diagnostic checks, engine oil and fluid replacement, windscreen chip repair and more.
It’s convenient, cost-effective and hassle-free, and fittings are available 7 days a week between 8 am and 8 pm. Simply book online and arrange a time and place that best suits your schedule.
Christmas travel tips
Plan your route
Traffic can make the simplest of routes challenging during the festive period, so plan your journey ahead. Use tech like sat navs and speed camera detectors to check for delays, traffic, or road closures, and find the quickest routes. Consider travelling during off-peak hours to avoid the worst congestion caused by rush hour travel.
Check the weather forecast
Keep a careful eye on the weather before you set off on your journey. If conditions look dangerous, consider delaying your journey. Ice, snow, and heavy rain can all lengthen your stopping distance, while fog impairs your vision. Poor weather is likely to lead to more traffic jams and even road accidents.
Stay visible and safe
The shorter days mean much more driving in the dark. Ensure your headlights are clear and fully functioning so that you can see any obstacles or hazards in your way. If you’re travelling in snow or rain, keep a safe distance and drive at a steady pace. You can improve your visibility on the road, remove oxidation and dullness, and coat your headlights with fresh UV protection with our premium Duxback headlight treatment.
And remember that if one of your bulbs do go, we’d always recommend carrying out replacements in pairs, as bulb lifespans typically mirror each other.
Check your tyres
Check the pressure, condition, and tread of your tyres before setting off or have an expert do it for you with our FREE tyre check. The minimum tread depth to remain legally compliant is 1.6mm, although many manufacturers recommend 3mm. Weather changes also affect your tyre pressure with it often decreasing in lower temperatures, so keep a close eye out for any changes.
You can also keep your vehicle running smoothly, all year round and whatever the weather, with our wide range of all-season tyres. We offer same-day fitting at our garages, or with our Halfords Mobile Expert service, we can come to you! Book an appointment online today.
Using your Halfords Motoring Club benefits
Of course, your Halfords Motoring Club membership can help during Christmas travel. Whether you’re a Premium member or Free, you can use your included 10-point car check (as explained above) to get your car inspected by the experts, for no extra cost!
Plus, your Premium 5% discount means you can pick up some of the products further down our list for a great price!
Still not a member? You’re missing out! Millions of Halfords customers are enjoying all the perks of our Motoring Club, and there’s no better time to start making the most of the benefits than the colder months. Become a member today and you’ll get a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, safe, and saving – just in time for Christmas!
Packing list
Now that we’ve sorted the car, it’s time to sort its contents. There are a number of essentials you should have ready during a winter journey for convenience and, most importantly, for safety.
Breakdown and safety essentials
These are the items we’ll never leave home without. The AA Breakdown & Emergency Kit contains all the important equipment you need if experience a breakdown, including a hazard warning triangle, booster cables, a foot pump and a weatherproof torch.
Add in the Halfords Rapid Digital Tyre Inflator for flat tyres and a jump starter for flat batteries and you’ve given yourself the best chance to get to the nearest garage. That’s a much better option that waiting in the cold and dark for your breakdown service to come to your rescue!
Tech essentials
Although not a necessity for quick runs out, our tech equipment is a lifesaver during longer and unfamiliar journeys to see loved ones. The Nextbase IQ Smart Dash Cam is a high-quality dash cam with a whole host of smart features including Witness Mode and Smart Sense Parking. We’ll even fit it for you for a small fee – just choose the option during the checkout process.
The Nextbase 522GW Front & Rear Dash Cam Bundle offers high-quality 1440p HD recording and connectivity for crystal clear footage and security. With built-in Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Wi-Fi, this intelligent dash cam sends an SOS in the event of an accident (subscription required for SOS feature), making it the perfect Christmas gift for any new or elderly drivers in your life.
Winter weather essentials
There are a few winter car essentials that you just can’t do without. De-icer, screen wash, an ice scraper and a de-mister pad can all help to get you moving quicker on a cold morning and keep your journeys safer.
You can go a step further to protect yourself from the winter weather with some car mats, seat protectors and boot protectors. The last one is particularly useful if you’ve got a four-legged friend joining you on your journey, or you’ve got the fun job of hauling a Christmas tree back home.
Storage essentials
Finally, storage. If you’ve squeezed your family into the car and you’re going to be spending a few precious days away over Christmas, then you’ll need somewhere to store all your stuff (and prezzies) during the drive.
Roof boxes are a great choice as they create additional space outside of your car. There are loads of different roof boxes available, so it should be easy to find one that suits your needs and vehicle. We can also lend a hand when it comes to the fitting for a small fee.
Avoiding the traffic: when to travel over Christmas
Now you’re all ready to go, it’s time to think about when to travel. It’s no secret that traffic can become the stuff of nightmares over the festive period, so when should you set off to beat the queues?
Avoid the last Friday before Christmas – this can apply to the whole weekend before the big day, but Timeout predicts that Friday 19th will be a particularly busy day for road users.
Avoid the two days before and after Christmas – as you’d expect, the RAC generally expect the two days on either side of Christmas Day to be the busiest on the roads, especially the 23rd and 24th.
Christmas Day could be busier than you think – although many people stay in the comfort of their home on the big day, there are still millions of motorists who travel by car on Christmas Day.
It’s worth noting that if you’re driving in London on Christmas Day, you’ll be subject to fewer charges:
- The Congestion Charge will not operate for two weeks from Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2025) to New Year’s Day bank holiday (Friday 1 January 2026 (inclusive)
- The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will not operate on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December)
Avoid peak times – just like trying to avoid rush hour traffic on a normal working day, the busiest periods are usually early morning and early evening. It’s suggested you should try and travel between 10 am and 5 pm to avoid the worst of the chaos.
Choosing to swerve key hotspots for congestion is as important as avoiding peak travel times. In 2024, the AA recorded these locations as some of the busiest in the country over the key festive dates:
- The M4/M5 interchange near Bristol
- The M25 near Heathrow airport, west London
- The M5/M6 interchange near Birmingham
- The M60 near the Trafford Centre, Manchester
- The M1 near Meadowhall, Sheffield
By preparing fully for your seasonal journeys, you’ll stay safe, jolly, and organised for all the fun to come. And remember, if you want to keep moving this winter, you want Halfords!
