It only takes less preparation to winterize a car. That alone, but not enough to get through the winter safely.
Question: I bought my first own car in the summer. What can I do to make it winterproof?
Answer by Hans-Georg Marmit, automotive expert of the expert organization KÜS. Before frost, snow and ice determine driving, you can do a lot. At the top of the to-do list is first checking the frost protection of the coolant. This can be done during a winter check in a workshop, but also test yourself. To do this, open the lid of the cooling system. Danger! Only open the lid when the engine is cold, otherwise there is a risk of burns due to the hot liquid! With a measuring device - simple ones are already available for small money in trade - the antifreeze concentration can be determined. Ideally, it covers temperatures down to minus 40 degrees. If this value is not reached, the necessary mixing ratio is calculated on the basis of the conversion table on the container and the antifreeze is detected. When buying the antifreeze you should also pay attention to the color of the liquid present in the cooler, since different means usually do not mix very well.
The liquid for cleaning the front and rear windows and the headlights must also be frost-proof. Since here is the Antifreeze can not be determined by a measurement, a complete replacement of summer to winter mixture makes sense. After determining the frost protection by the appropriate filling quantities or the corresponding mixing ratio (according to the description of the packaging unit), it is recommended to operate the cleaning function several times, so that the liquid including antifreeze is also in the pipes and nozzles of the cleaning systems. The headlights are also pleased about a cleaning. It is also good to have them checked for their functionality and their correct setting. For example, other road users are not dazzled.
Also the Windshield wiper in itself deserves a little attention: The wiper blades are cleaned with a soft cloth along the rubber lip. If you discover cracks and damage to them, they are best exchanged for new ones. If you should "stick" to the disc due to an iced disc, please do not release it by force or operate the windscreen wiper. There is a high risk of breaking the rubbers. It is better to wait until they release themselves after appropriate thawing measures. Open-air parkers are best placed during the night a piece of cardboard or special films under the windshield wipers: So not only the disc remains ice-free, also the freezing of the wiper is prevented.
Speaking of freezing: For example, so that the rubber seals on the doors remain supple and do not freeze, they should be rubbed after cleaning with special agents. Vaseline or rubber care products are suitable for this. The door locks can be protected against freezing with a graphite spray or a special oil. It is helpful to always carry a door lock diverter close at hand in your jacket or purse. So you are well prepared in case of a case.
The battery also deserves attention. She has to do a lot, especially in winter. The voltage should therefore not be below 12 volts. Of course, don't forget the tires. If the vehicle is not on all-season tires, you should get a set of winter tires, if possible before the first snow falls. If you have stored winter tires, you can check whether they are still in order. They should also have a profile depth of at least 4 millimeters.
Last but not least: Of course, the vehicle should be optimally prepared for the winter. But the drivers also have to adjust mentally to the cold season and the changed road conditions. For example, adding more time to the journey is part of this. It is also helpful to keep an eye on the weather forecast, so you will not be surprised by snow or ice storms. In addition, you should carry some practical things in the car. These include an ice scraper, a warm blanket and gloves.
