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Ensuring the car is ready for the winter means fitting winter tyres - but there are many other things the motorist can do to improve safety and comfort through the winter. Before the winter sets in, motorists should check their cars. Most of the tasks listed below are things you can do yourself, whilst garages and car dealers often run special promotions for the others.
| Area | Task | | Door seals | Grease with silicone or deer suet | | Door locks | Oil and grease | | Equipment in the boot | Starter cable, brush for snow, ice scraper, de-icer spray | | Winter tyres | Increase tyre pressure to 0.2 bar more than on summer tyres | | Winter sports | Check whether snow chains are obligatory at your destination | | Windscreen washer water | Ensure this contains plenty of antifreeze | | Battery | Check acid level | | Spark plugs | Exchange if necessary | | Connectors | Check for corrosion | | Radiator | Top up antifreeze | | Shock absorbers | Have them checked - if they are defective, this means longer braking distances and will shorten the life of your tyres | | Lights | Clean the headlamps and check that they are set correctly |
The best way of avoiding breakdowns or accidents in the winter is to fit good winter tyres and keep a watchful eye on the road as you drive. This includes being extra cautious on bridges and at traffic lights, as well as keeping a greater safety distance between your own vehicle and the one in front.
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