Preparing your car for winter can save you time when the cold weather hits. If you’re prepared enough for winter, you can also save yourself stress and money. It’s definitely worth taking the time to check your vehicle. With a little ordinary care, you can avoid breakdowns. Plus, your winter travels will be much more pleasant.

Check the fuel

It may sound funny, but it’s always a good idea to check that you have enough fuel for your trip. When temperatures are low, none of us want to get into trouble. Especially in a place that you are not familiar with and don’t know where the nearest petrol station is. If you have an electric car, then it’s important to keep an eye out for a sufficiently charged battery and ideally find charging stations along the way.

Watch the battery

The cold gives your car battery a hard time. The battery works harder in cold temperatures. It is therefore very important to keep it sufficiently charged. If you drive short distances, it is not enough to recharge the battery. It is therefore advisable to connect the battery to a charger once a week, for example. The battery will be sufficiently recharged if you drive more than 50 kilometres. Before winter, it is also a good idea to check the battery for signs of corrosion, moisture or bulging. If your battery is old, have it measured and, if necessary, get a new one in good time.

━━ ( Source: Aneta Voborilova /  Unsplash+ )

Replacing wipers

Wiper blades should be changed quite often. Did you know that even the best wipers lose their effectiveness after just six months of use. Smudges and missed areas of glass are a clear signal that your wipers are ready to be scrapped. You can extend their life by regularly cleaning the rubber edge of the wiper with a paper towel and glass cleaner. However, this is not safe in winter. Better to buy new wipers.

Clean windows

It is important to be able to see all sides of your car. If you can’t see out of the windows, it’s dangerous not only for you, but also for other road users. Do not try to use the wipers to remove ice. It is important to first remove ice from the windows with an ice scraper. If you park outside, it is advisable to put the wipers up so that they do not stick to the glass.

Wipers

Of course, windscreen wipers are also related to windscreens. In winter, the road is likely to be wet, muddy or full of salt. So keep the washer reservoir filled with winter washer fluid. This contains antifreeze. Avoid the cheapest methanol or acetone-based fluids. They are harmful to health and ruin the car. Original concentrates from car manufacturers are ideal.

Under the bonnet

Frost is also hard on the engine. The engine oil thickens and this makes it difficult to turn the engine over. Start by checking the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also change the oil filter at every oil change. Also check the radiator and heater hoses when you inspect the car. Are they cracked? Are they leaking well? Also try flushing the cooling system every two years.