Is Your Car Ready for Winter?
Is Your Car Ready for Winter? Here's a Checklist
Do you live in a place where winter brings challenging road conditions? Or are you planning a car trip to the mountains and wondering how to prepare? Winter is a challenging time, especially for drivers. Low temperatures, snow, ice, road salt, dense fog, and early darkness make driving a real test not only for the car but also for the driver. We believe that the better we prepare for the road, the less likely we are to be surprised. Do you agree with us? Ensure maximum safety for yourself and your loved ones while driving. Read our list of things to check before you head into the challenging mountainous terrain.
1. Switch to Winter Tires
Winter tires are essential for driving in the winter months. Without them, it's better not to drive at all. While summer tires lose their properties below 7°C, winter tires are designed to provide maximum traction and safety in low temperatures, on snow, and ice. Make sure to invest in tires with a sufficiently deep tread that will provide stability and control on the road during adverse weather conditions. What should be the minimum tread depth? It is recommended to be 4 mm or more. More worn tires, i.e., those with a tread depth of less than 4 mm, will not provide adequate grip, increasing the risk of slipping and accidents.
Equally important is checking the tire pressure. Low temperatures can cause a drop in pressure, which negatively affects grip, tire wear, and fuel consumption. Regularly check the pressure, preferably once a month. This will help maintain the tires in optimal condition and ensure safe driving.
Planning to install only two winter tires? NEVER do this! Even if your car is only driven on one axle, it's still a bad decision! Using winter tires only on the drive axle can lead to unbalanced traction and dangerous vehicle behaviour, especially during sudden braking or changes in direction.
Winter tires are not just about tread, but also a special rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures. This allows the tires to maintain their grip properties even in extremely difficult conditions, so investing in good quality winter tires is the most important thing for your car in winter.
2. Test the Brake System
If you want to ensure your safety on the road during low temperatures and challenging conditions, it's essential to check the condition of your brake pads and discs. Slippery surfaces, road salt, slush, and limited visibility mean that your reaction time is longer, and worn brake pads or discs additionally increase the braking distance. As you might guess, this is very dangerous in case of sudden incidents on the road.
Also, check the condition of the brake fluid. Regularly checking it is very important. Why? Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which lowers its effectiveness, leading to braking problems.
It's best to check the technical condition of the braking system with a mechanic, especially if you notice any worrying signals, such as squeaking, steering wheel vibration during braking, or increased brake response time. It's better to prevent than to repair breakdowns, especially in the winter months.
3. Stock Up on Winter Operational Fluids
Key here is the washer fluid with an anti-freeze additive. This is not just a matter of convenience, but primarily safety – the ability to effectively clean the windshield from road salt and slush is essential for maintaining good visibility.
Additionally, check the condition of the engine oil, which should be suitable for low temperatures. Winter months can be particularly demanding for the engine, and the right oil will ensure its smooth operation even on the coldest days.
Another important aspect is checking the coolant, which prevents the engine from freezing and ensures its proper cooling. Make sure the fluid level is appropriate and that the fluid has anti-freeze properties.
4. Is the Battery Working Properly?
Low temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance and even lead to its complete discharge, so thoroughly check its condition before winter arrives. Look out for signals such as difficulties in starting the engine, weak lights, or slow operation of the car's electrical components, which can indicate a weakening battery. Also, check that the battery connections are clean and well protected against corrosion, which is key to ensuring the good operation of the vehicle's electrical system. Is your battery a few years old? Have you noticed any symptoms of declining performance? We recommend considering a replacement before winter. A new, efficient battery will not only provide greater reliability for your car on cold days but above all, it won't let you down on a frosty morning.
5. Check the Vehicle's Lights
Winter weather conditions such as snowstorms, fog, and longer nights require an efficient lighting system in your vehicle. Regularly check all lights, including front, rear, fog, turn signals, and brake lights. Replacing burnt-out bulbs is simple and increases visibility on the road, as well as makes it easier for other drivers to see you. Remember to also regularly clean the light housings to prevent dirt from reducing the lighting efficiency.
Also, check if the lights are properly adjusted. Incorrectly aligned lights can not only impair your ability to see the road but also blind other road users.
6. Test the Heating System
A functioning heating system in your car is not just a matter of comfort, but also an important safety feature. It provides warmth not only for you and your passengers but also effectively prevents the windows from fogging up, contributing to maintaining good visibility. Before winter arrives, it’s worth thoroughly checking if the heating is working properly, including whether hot air is being efficiently distributed in the cabin. Check also if the ventilation is working correctly and if there are any leaks in the system that might affect its performance. Don’t forget to check the operation of the rear window heating and side mirrors, if your car is equipped with them. These functions are extremely helpful in quickly removing frost or defrosting windows on cold mornings. If you encounter any problems with the heating system, it’s best to use the services of a professional service centre.
7. Take a Close Look at the Car's Body
Winter poses great challenges for a car's bodywork. Road salt, moisture, and low temperatures can accelerate the corrosion process, so it's important to regularly check the body for rust and damage. If rust appears on your car's body, remove it quickly to prevent it from spreading to other body parts and the chassis. Metal repair panels are an ideal solution, allowing effective repair of damage and removal of corroded elements, as well as protecting the body from further damage. These panels are durable, effective, and tailored to various car models.
EasyParts store offers a wide range of repair panels dedicated to different car models. Our panels are made from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting protection and aesthetics for your vehicle. We invite you to visit our website and check out the available options for your car model. With our repair panels, you can effectively protect your car from the harmful effects of winter conditions and maintain its market value and well-kept appearance for many years. Visit our homepage, where you will find an intuitive search engine for repair panels by specific brand and model of the vehicle.
8. Check How the Windshield Wipers Work
In winter conditions, when snow, rain, and road salt are common, efficient wipers are key to maintaining good visibility. Over time, wipers wear out, losing their effectiveness, which manifests as streaks on the windshield or an inability to completely remove water. Check the rubber on the wipers and make sure they can perfectly adhere to the windshield. If your wipers are worn, damaged, or not coping with removing raindrops, it's better to replace them with new ones.
9. Check Your Emergency Kit
Having a well-equipped emergency kit in your car is especially important in winter, when the risk of unforeseen situations on the road increases. The kit should include a spare tire, a jack, and a wheel wrench, which are essential in case of a tire puncture. Additionally, it is important to have a flashlight, blanket, and gloves, which can be useful during breakdowns in low temperatures. Additionally, equip yourself with a small tool kit, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel, as well as sand or road salt, which can help get out of snowdrifts or slippery spots.
10. Regularly Wash Your Car
Regular car washing in the winter season is crucial, especially in areas where road salt is used, which can accelerate the corrosion process. Washing the car helps remove salt and other contaminants that can accumulate on the body and chassis. Pay special attention to thoroughly cleaning the chassis, which is most exposed to the action of salt and moisture. Regular maintenance, including washing, not only prolongs the life of the vehicle but also maintains its better appearance and value in the secondary market.
Summary
Preparing your car for winter is key to safe and comfortable driving throughout the season. Remember, regular inspections and maintenance are the best investment in your safety.
We also invite you to visit our online store, where you can find repair panels and other accessories to prepare your car for winter.