Preparing the car for winter

Experienced drivers are aware that preparation for the winter season is one of the most important things that accompany car owners. The earlier we are prepared to face the worst driving and maintenance conditions for our cars, the more relaxed and trouble-free we will drive through the winter. That means it's never too early to think about our own comfort when it gets cold outside. Don't wait until the first snow falls to get your car in order. 

Winter is the most "difficult" season - for both the engine and the driver. Cold temperatures bring with them a number of challenges - testing the durability of the car, low traction on snow and icy surfaces, the need to carefully revise and replace fluids (oil, antifreeze, wiper fluid) with their winter counterparts, as well as a general check of the condition of all systems in the car. Not to be overlooked is the importance of the cooling and air conditioning systems - make sure everything is working as it should. The list is long, but none of the things that need to be checked, replaced or serviced are more difficult than getting stuck out in the cold. After all, the pleasure and comfort of driving a car comes at a price. The good news is that, with adequate maintenance and careful planning, that cost is actually not that high - literally and figuratively. 

Here are a few tips to help you get your bearings and make sure you don't forget something essential when preparing your car. 

Technical inspection of the vehicle

Despite popular belief in this country, the technical inspection is not a formality that is only carried out once a year in the form of a mandatory MOT. For your own safety and security, it's a good idea to have your car checked before the winter season arrives. Have your car's ignition, lights, wipers and cleaning system, brakes, heating and cooling system checked at a certified workshop.

Change the tyres

The first and perhaps most important task when preparing your car for the winter season is to change the tyres. If you have good winter tyres from last season - fit them on time, i.e. before the snow "surprises" you. Check the tread - according to the Road Traffic Act (RTA) it must be at least 4 mm. Don't compromise on the quality and condition of your tyres. A lot of road safety in winter conditions depends on them. Driving on worn or summer tyres poses a real risk to the life and health of the driver and passengers.

Store tyres well

Tyre storage is particularly important. This applies to both summer and winter tyres. Proper storage will ensure you can rely on your tyres for another season. To get the most out of the investment you've made in a set of quality tires, make sure you're following these few simple guidelines: 

Before dismounting, increase the pressure in each tyre by 0.5 bar. 
When removing, mark each tyre with its corresponding position (e.g. HH - "rear right") and put it in the correct place when reinstalling. 
Clean the tyres thoroughly before "winterizing" them and remove any pebbles from the gripper. 
If you store tyres without rims, keep them upright. The opposite applies to tyres with rims - store them lying flat on top of each other or hooked together in the garage. The place where tyres are kept should be dark, ventilated and dry. Keep tyres away from oil, paints, varnishes and solvents. 

If you don't have a suitable place to keep them in the winter, you can make use of a "tyre hotel". For your convenience and comfort, RADIAL Auto Centres offer you such a service. After replacing winter or summer tires, you can leave the dismounted set with us.Our specialists will prepare your tires for storage until the next change in special rooms protected from sunlight and moisture. We check your tyres into the "hotel" after a preliminary inspection, describing their characteristics (make, model, size, degree of wear) and draw up a contract for their responsible storage.

Vehicle frost protection

Check all fluids on the vehicle and replace the antifreeze. Put on non-freezing wiper fluid. It's a good practice to do several preventive washes so that the fluid spreads to all hoses and joints. This prevents residual water from freezing in the system. If you replace all fluids with winter fluids at or before the start of the season, you can be sure that everything will be fine when winter "sets in" and the temps drop precipitously. As we know, this sometimes happens overnight. Be prepared!

Replace wipers

Put quality wipers for the winter. Compromises with cheap unknown brands or old feathers often do not end well. Make sure you have good visibility.

Revise the battery

Before winter sets in, be sure to check the car's battery. This is especially true if the ignition is difficult even when it is slightly chilly. Charge it with a charger or replace it with a new one.

Check the headlights

Make sure all the lights on your car are working properly and check the headlight power. A preventive replacement of the lamps can give you good visibility and prevent accidents in winter, when it gets dark early and visibility is generally reduced. If you drive an older model car your headlights may not be strong enough. Consider the different options you have to increase the light on the road, such as xenon kits and new headlight bulbs.

Check door seals and lids

Rubber seals are damaged by the cold and degrade or fall off over time. Lubricate them with sealant. You can also use talc (for preservation) or glycerine (for softening and elasticity).

Protection against freezing of locks

Prepare yourself by buying with a suitable spray to defrost your locks. It's important to have one, but even more important not to keep it in the car!

Body and bodywork treatment

The months before the onset of winter are the right time to correct minor blemishes on the paintwork and fenders caused by pebbles, bumps, etc. Treat with suitable protectants and protect the paintwork by brushing the car with a protective agent. This will ensure that minor knocks won't turn into corrosion ulcers after any other season.

Auxiliary equipment

Prepare your car with the necessary equipment for winter and poor road conditions - chains, jumper cables, ice scraper for windows, defrosting spray for windows and locks, working torch, blanket, gloves. Make sure you have everything you need for the road - triangle, first aid kit, tyre wrench. 

If you find cleaning the ice off your windows every morning laborious and annoying, you can use this easy trick - cover your windows with plastic film in the evening and just peel it off in the morning to save yourself the annoying scratching.

Have a good trip!