Winter can surprise even experienced drivers. Frost, snow, icy roads, and short days all impact the safety and technical condition of your vehicle. Therefore, it's important to know how to prepare your car for winter to ensure trouble-free driving. Here's a complete guide that will show you what to do, step by step.

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1. Check the battery – the heart of the car in winter

Low temperatures reduce battery performance by up to 30–40%.

What to do?

• measure voltage (it should be at least 12.4 V)
• check the alternator charging status
• clean the terminals
• if the battery is 5+ years old – it is worth considering replacing it
• have a booster or jumper cables on hand

Tip: The battery discharges faster on short city trips.

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2. Winter or all-season tires – the basis of safety

The right compound and tread have the greatest impact on traction.

What to check?

• minimum tread height: 4 mm
• pressure (drops in frost!)
• year of production – after 5–6 years, tires lose their properties
• rubber condition: cracks, bulges, uneven wear

Remember: Winter tires perform best at temperatures below 7°C.

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3. Operating fluids – a winter must-have

Radiator fluid

It should protect to at least -35°C .

Winter windshield washer fluid

Changing to winter is mandatory - summer fluid freezes in the pipes.

Engine oil

It is worth using oil with low winter viscosity (e.g. 0W, 5W).

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4. Check the condition of the brakes and ABS system

Winter = longer braking distances.
Make sure:

• the pads are not worn out
• the discs do not have deep grooves
• brake fluid is not old (change every 2 years)

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5. Take care of visibility – lights and wipers

Lights

Check:

• dipped beam adjustment
• headlight cleanliness (especially LED and Xenon)
• anti-fog effect

Wipers

If they leave streaks, replace them.
In winter, it's worth using wiper blades with frost-resistant rubber.

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6. Seals and locks – so they don't freeze

• lubricate the seals with special silicone
• use antifreeze for locks
• avoid pouring hot water on the door - it damages the paint and seals

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7. A set of winter accessories that are worth carrying in the car

It's worth having on hand:

• ice scraper and snow brush
• window defroster
• anti-slip mat
• gloves
• a flashlight
• jumper cables or booster
• power bank
• windshield cover
• snow chains (mountains)

This is a kit that really shortens the time it takes to prepare your car every winter morning.

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8. Heating and air conditioning inspection

Air conditioning is useful in winter for quickly demisting windows.
Check it out:

• fan operation
• airflow strength
• cabin filter (clogged = steamy windows!)
• amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning

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9. Body and chassis – protection against salt

Road salt accelerates corrosion.
It's worth doing the following:

• chassis maintenance
• bodywork waxing
• washing the car once every 1–2 weeks in winter

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10. Winter test – short checklist

• Winter tires
• Functional wipers
• Winter windshield washer fluid
• Battery in good condition
• Ice scraper and defroster
• Cables/booster
• Working lights
• Full tank (in winter always at least 1/3!)

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Summary

Preparing your car for winter doesn't have to be complicated. Just pay attention to a few key elements to avoid problems and increase road safety. Regular inspections, good tires, and the right accessories guarantee a peaceful winter for every driver.