How to Prepare your Car for Winters In 10 Steps

T he cold has arrived, it's time to prepare your car for the winter. As cold weather arrives, your car will be more vulnerable than usual. Whether you go on a ski holiday or stay at home, here are the 10 main things you will need to do to ensure your safety and allow your vehicle to spend the winter in the best conditions.

1. Is It Time To Service Your Car?

Does your car manufacturer's maintenance program recommend a revision? If so, don’t aim to skip out and save the money now! Winter is a time when we ask our car for more and a smart investment can save you from paying dearly for a more serious mechanical problem.

Between prolonged use of heating, driving on often salty roads, and more frequent use of brakes, a thorough check up and tuning of the vehicle is often necessary before going on vacation. Take advantage of discounts and special winter packages, and do not hesitate to play the competition to get a professional opinion at an affordable price.

If you still feel an entire check up isn’t necessary or not an option for you, just check the critical parts to secure your car for the winter: battery condition, tire wear (not to mention the spare wheel), the braking system (plates and brake discs). These three points are crucial to your safety.

2. Switch To Winter Tires

When encountering snow, the wise driver thinks first of ensuring his wheels can handle slippery terrain. Remember to install winter tires (or snow tires) at the first sign of winter, to avoid any inconvenience during the season. These tires have a special rubber that does not harden with the cold. Manufacturers recommend installing winter tires as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C.

3. Install Snow Chains

Snow chains are imperative if you plan to go to areas where snowfall is heavy. You can do it yourself, or have them done professionally.

4. Fill Up On Coolant

Coolant removes excess heat from your engine. In winter, it also takes a dual role, because it prevents the water and other liquids in your car from freezing. Ensuring your coolant (also called antifreeze liquid)  levels is imperative during the winter.

Your engine is much more stressed in cold weather. A lack of liquid can lead to a leak in the cylinder head joints of your car, which will mark the end of your vehicle. Do not hesitate to take a small can in your trunk in the case of an extended vacation.

5. Change The Windshield Washer Fluid

In winter, the windshield gets dirty much faster due to dampness and dust on the windshield. Having a liquid reserve is therefore imperative for your safety. Opt for anti-freeze windshield washer fluid. By freezing at -30°C compared to 0°C for conventional liquids, it ensures that you do not freeze overnight if you leave your car outdoors.

6. Pack Some Gloves

Nothing beats a squeegee and elbow oil to do most of the work when your windshield is frosted. Choose squeegees with integrated gloves or bring an extra glove along so that battling the cold will be more comfortable. Once most of the snow is removed, the heating of the car will do the rest.

7. Prepare your trip

Driving during the winter months is more tiring due to tough weather conditions. If you go on a vacation, drive slowly and take fifteen-hour breaks every hour during long trips. A few more minutes' journey is well worth the time to ensure you return home safely.

8. Check Your Auto Insurance Sticker

Increased risk of accidents, increased police controls! An outdated insurance sticker can be expensive, and law enforcement officers are particularly picky during long vacation journeys. To avoid a bad surprise with reinforced controls during school holidays, check that your car insurance sticker is not outdated.

Insurance often favors the end of the year for the expiration date of their contract and an expired or forgotten insurance sticker may spoil the holidays! Tip: Simply ask your insurance company to return a sticker if you have misplaced yours, it is free and legally mandatory.

9. Adapt Your Driving To Winter

Winter is a confusing time because weather conditions can surprise even experienced motorists. In case of a temperature below 3°C, adopt a driving approach more suited to the cold conditions: extra careful, vigilant, and slow. If you encounter snowfall or precipitation, double your safety distances: freezing rain is the best friend of motor bodybuilders!

10. Take a Safety Kit And Cover

In the event of an accident, response times may be long because there is a good chance that if you have been surprised by the climate, other drivers will also be surprised. To prevent a precarious situation from becoming even more dangerous, remember to carry a blanket, a bottle of water, or even a few snacks in your trunk. They will be useful if your vehicle is immobilized.

Now that you know how to prepare your car for the winters, make sure you’re prepared for all the obstacles that might come your way. Best wishes!