Black Nissan 350Z outside the Tarmac Sportz workshop in winter
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Winter Maintenance Winter Car Checks Winter Car Care Tyre Checks Rust Prevention Performance Car Maintenance Nissan 370Z Nissan 350Z Derby Car Care Tips Battery Care

Winter can be tough on your car. Rain, freezing temperatures, road salt and darker evenings all make regular maintenance more important.

At Tarmac Sportz, we recommend checking a few key areas to help keep your car reliable, protected and ready for the colder months.

Check Your Tyres

Your tyres deserve particular attention when roads become wet and slippery. Check tread depth, look for cracks, cuts or bulges, and set pressures to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

If your performance car runs summer tyres, consider whether they suit the conditions you expect to drive in. Plenty of tread alone does not make a tyre suitable for snow or ice.

Keep Your Battery Healthy

Cold weather can expose a weak battery, particularly if your car only makes short journeys or sits unused for long periods.

If starting becomes sluggish, have the battery and charging system checked. For cars used less frequently, a compatible smart battery charger can help maintain charge—always follow the vehicle and charger instructions.

Check Coolant and Other Fluids

Make sure your coolant level and antifreeze protection are correct before temperatures drop. Use the specification recommended for your car and only check or open the cooling system when the engine is cold.

Check your engine oil regularly and fill the washer reservoir with screenwash mixed for the expected winter temperatures.

Look After Brakes and Suspension

Have unusual noises, pulling under braking or changes in pedal feel investigated promptly.

Winter preparation is also a good opportunity to inspect:

  • Brake discs, pads and hoses.

  • Suspension arms, bushes and ball joints.

  • Undertrays and wheel arch liners.

  • Exhaust joints, brackets and mountings.

For Nissan 350Z and 370Z owners, include the W-brace, kidney brackets and surrounding mounting areas in an underbody inspection. Identifying corrosion early gives you time to address it before it becomes a bigger job.

Wash Away Road Salt

Road salt can accelerate corrosion, so regular cleaning matters throughout winter. Pay attention to wheel arches, wheels and accessible underside areas where dirt and salt collect.

A suitable wax or sealant can help protect paintwork and make cleaning easier. Avoid directing pressure washers closely at seals, electrical components or damaged paint.

Keep Your View Clear

Clean your lights, mirrors and glass regularly, and replace wiper blades if they smear or leave streaks.

Before setting off, fully clear frost and snow from the windows, mirrors and lights. Use a scraper and suitable de-icer—never boiling water on frozen glass.

Cleaning the inside of the windscreen also helps reduce glare during night driving.

Allow Your Car to Warm Up Gently

Once visibility is clear, drive gently while the engine and drivetrain reach their normal operating temperatures. Avoid high revs and heavy throttle while cold, and allow extra space for braking in poor conditions.

Get Winter Ready at Tarmac Sportz

Whether you drive your car every day or bring it out at weekends, a little preparation can help prevent inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs.

Contact Tarmac Sportz in Derby to book a winter inspection or discuss any maintenance your car needs before the colder weather arrives.