How to prepare a car for winter: important tips for drivers

Driving conditions in winter are very different from other seasons. Sub-zero temperatures, snow and ice on the roads, and darkness for most of the day make driving much more dangerous. It is all the more important to properly prepare for winter road travel in advance.

OBOZ.UA asked automotive experts for advice on how to do it right. And made a list of eight points that you can use to check everything well.

The condition of the tires

The grip of your tires on the road will determine how long your car's stopping distance will be and how well it will grip the roadway in general. We won't remind you that you need to change the tires for the winter – it's the law of safe driving. What you shouldn't forget about is checking the tread depth. Ideally, it should be at least 2.5 mm over most of the tire's surface. It's also important to constantly check the tire pressure – it should be within the limits specified in the car's owner's manual. Remember that cold weather can cause a drop in tire pressure.

Battery

Any battery dies faster if you use it in the cold. When the temperature drops sharply, it can be difficult for it to provide the power it needs. Therefore, check your battery regularly and, if necessary, replace an old and inefficient one in time.

Check the antifreeze level

Antifreeze in winter is critical for car safety. It prevents the water in the engine cooling system from turning to ice – a problem that can lead to very serious damage. Therefore, the antifreeze tank should always be full. It is necessary to add liquid to it at the slightest need.

Check the condition of the windshield wipers

In the winter season, this small but important part works with an increased load, removing raindrops, snow, and road dirt from the windshield, flying out from under the wheels of other cars. Therefore, old or faulty wipers should be replaced before the season. And don't forget to fill the windshield wiper reservoir with winter fluid to help keep the window from icing up.

Lighting devices

Since it's dark most of the time in winter, and it's usually quite cloudy during the day, all lights should be in good working order. Have them checked, buy a supply of light bulbs, and wipe down the lights regularly, including the turn signals.

Oil level

The correct consistency and level of oil becomes even more important during the cold season. So keep the oil compartment filled. Also, change the oil to a winter oil that does not freeze at low temperatures.

Brake condition

Good brakes are critical on slippery roads. So start by inspecting the brake discs for signs of wear or rust. If you have any doubts about them, ask a mechanic for advice. This is a case where it's definitely better to be safe than sorry.

Winterization kit

Experienced drivers say that in winter, a car should always have a special set of items that may be needed on the road. These include a flashlight, a snow shovel, a basic first aid kit, ice removal tools, a de-icer, a vest with reflective elements, and a warm blanket. Also, consider buying a battery booster.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest developments.