From O to O - from October to Easter - is a well-known rule for the correct period of use of winter tires. But this is not enough to get through the cold season well. Seven steps on how to make your car winter-proof - ideally now.
Tip 1: tires
At the top of the checklist for a winter tires stand winter tires, because they have a better grip on snow and ice thanks to rubber compounds and slats suitable for use in the cold. You shouldn't change when the first onset of winter arrives, because the tires are a real safety gain even in late autumn at temperatures below seven degrees on dry and wet roads. In addition, the first black ice or snow usually results in long waiting times for appointments in workshops and tire services. mein-auto-blog recommends a profile depth of at least four millimeters, even if the law only stipulates 1,6 millimeters, because otherwise important properties such as the interlocking function of the lamellas with the subsurface are lost. In addition, one applies situational winter tire duty in Germany - with black ice, slush, ice or frost.
Tip 2: light
In the dark season it is especially important to see and be seen well. During the light test in October, participating workshops can have the vehicle's lighting checked free of charge. Here, attention is also paid to whether the headlights are dry on the inside, the reflectors are clear and the headlights are correctly adjusted. The 2014 balance sheet shows how important the campaign is: Every third vehicle (32,9 percent) had defects in the lighting system.
Tip 3: battery
The most common problems on cold winter days, in the experience of the breakdown services, arise due to ailing car batteries, so that the driver is dependent on a breakdown helper even before driving off. After 3 years in the vehicle, batteries should therefore be checked and replaced in good time. To be on the safe side, it also helps to have a suitable jump start cable in the car.
Tip 4: coolant
Does the antifreeze in the cooler reach –25 degrees Celsius? If not, you should definitely add an antifreeze, because the radiator freezes, it can damage the engine and expensive repairs may be required. You can check the frost protection with a test device at the petrol station or in the workshop.
Tip 5: windscreen washer and wipers
Adequate frost protection in the windscreen washer system must also be ensured in good time. Winter window cleaner down to –20 degrees Celsius prevents splash water from freezing at temperatures in the minus range. After filling up, be sure to operate the system until the mixture has spread to the nozzles so that the lines do not freeze up. Lubricate the wipers, clean the rubber lips with alcohol. If that doesn't help, you have to replace them. To keep a clear view, you should also clean the windows from the inside and remove the often underestimated summer dirt.
Tip 6: door seals
So that you don't have to stand in front of frozen doors and trunk, you should prevent it now by treating rubber seals with special care substances based on silicone or deer tallow.
Tip 7: accessories
With the right equipment in the vehicle, you are well equipped for winter: one ice scraper frees frozen disks of ice, a hand brush removes snow from the vehicle. In these cases, you are also happy if you have gloves on board and don't get cold fingers. They are also helpful in the event of an unforeseen traffic jam, just like a warm blanket. A cover film is useful if you have to park the car outside. In snowy regions, it is also advisable to have snow chains and a snow shovel with you. For frozen locks, it makes sense to have a de-icing spray ready - in contrast to the rest of the accessories, you should of course not stow it inside the vehicle!