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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
How to prepare your car for winter – tips for drivers
Winter conditions always require a car to be more reliable and ready for the test. Sharp temperature drops, ice and short daylight hours create additional risks for drivers and their cars.
This is especially relevant for Ukrainian realities, where winter weather can be unpredictable. The Delo.ua editorial team has collected expert advice from, which will help you prepare your car for winter and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.
The battery is the most vulnerable part of a winter car
Low temperatures greatly reduce battery capacity, and even a relatively new battery can fail unexpectedly. At -10°C, the capacity of a standard battery drops by 20-30%, and at -25°C – by 50%.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to check the charge level and electrolyte density before the onset of cold weather. If the battery is more than three years old or shows a voltage of less than 12.4 V at rest, it is worth considering replacing it. Preventive recharging will also be useful, especially if you drive mainly short distances.
Winter tires are a guarantee of safety on slippery roads
Switching from summer to winter tires is the most important step in preparing for winter. Summer tires lose elasticity at +7°C, which has a critical impact on driving safety.
Please note: the tread depth of winter tires must be at least 4 mm (the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but this is not enough for safety). Also, be sure to monitor tire pressure: in frost it drops by about 0.1 atm for every -6°C. For urban conditions, friction tires with the M+S marking are optimal, for regions with harsh winters it is better to choose studded ones.
Technical fluids and their winter specifics
Antifreeze should correspond to the temperature regime of your region with a margin of 10-15°C. Old or excessively diluted concentrate can lose its properties and lead to freezing of the cooling system. Check the concentration with a special device or in a service center.
Windshield washer fluid should be exclusively winter-grade, as summer fluid freezes at -2°C, which can damage the tank and system. Keep the fuel tank as full as possible, as this prevents condensation from forming, which can cause the fuel lines to freeze.
Lighting equipment and visibility
Short winter days make it a must to check your lighting. Check all the lights – low and high beams, turn signals, brake lights and fog lights. According to statistics, poor visibility is the most common cause of winter accidents.
Thoroughly clean the lampshades from dirt and check for scratches – they can reduce brightness by up to 30%. The windshield should be free of cracks, and the wipers should have elastic rubber bands without damage.
Emergency winter kit
It is advisable to prepare a checklist of the essential items that a driver should definitely have in the car. So, the trunk should always contain:
- snow scraper and brush,
- small shovel,
- towing rope,
- spare warm blanket,
- flashlight with batteries
- and an expanded first aid kit.
A sand mixture or special anti-slip mats for getting out of a snowdrift will also be useful.
Practical tips for full preparation
Winter preparation of your car is an investment in the driver's safety and peace of mind. A properly performed inspection will save you from unpleasant surprises and expensive repairs:
- Start preparing in October – don't wait for the first frosts and queues at tire shops.
- Check all systems comprehensively – individual measures are less effective.
- Don't skimp on the quality of winter tires and technical fluids – this directly affects safety.
- Keep a maintenance diary – this will help you not to miss important procedures.
Preparing for winter in good time will ensure that the cold season will pass without emergencies and unforeseen breakdowns. So it is better to waste a few hours in the fall than to find yourself in an extreme situation in the winter.
