Winter is here: This is how you can prepare your car perfectly for the cold season!

Winter is here: This is how you can prepare your car perfectly for the cold season!

The cold season is just around the corner, which means the question of how to prepare your car perfectly comes into focus. This year, the TÜV Association is highlighting clear priorities that drivers should not ignore. Frank Schneider, speaker for vehicle technology at the TÜV Association, emphasizes the essential vehicle components that must be thoroughly checked before frost and snow. Brakes, lights, tires, batteries, electronics and sensors are at the top of the winter preparation list.

The brakes are a particularly critical point. Drivers should pay attention to signs of wear - squeaking, grinding, vibration or uneven braking are warning signs that should not be ignored. In addition, the brake fluid should be checked regularly and changed every two years to ensure safety on winter roads. The lighting system is just as important; Well-functioning headlights and taillights are essential in poor visibility conditions. A comprehensive light check should be carried out before setting off.

Winter check for your car

However, the preparation doesn't stop with brakes and lights. The ADAC points out that radiator antifreeze also plays a central role. The antifreeze protection should be at least -25° Celsius to prevent expensive engine damage. A simple check can be carried out at the gas station or in the workshop. In addition to the radiator, the windshield washer fluid should also be topped up with frost-protected winter cleaner. These precautions are crucial to ensure safety and functionality during the cold months.

Another aspect that drivers should not neglect are the wiper blades. Worn wipers need to be replaced so that they can do their job reliably in winter. The tires also deserve special attention: They should have at least 4 mm of tread and be changed to winter or all-weather tires in a timely manner, with installation ideally taking place in November. Regular checking of the air pressure is also recommended.

Technology and care

Don't forget the car battery. Performance can decrease significantly, especially at low temperatures. Drivers should check the battery voltage before winter. If this is below 12.6 volts, recharging or even replacement is necessary. The following applies to electric cars: The range can decrease by up to 30% in cold weather. The TÜV therefore recommends connecting the vehicle to the power grid overnight and heating the interior in advance.

We also recommend caring for the seals and locks. These can be treated with silicone or special care products to prevent freezing. And punctuality is ensured by the assistance systems, whose sensors should be kept clean so that they work reliably even in changeable conditions.

Finally, paint care should not be forgotten. Before the first snow falls, we recommend taking your car to the car wash and applying polish and wax. This means the vehicle is not only protected, but also looks good.

The most important tips for the cold season at a glance:

• Kühlerfrostschutz: mindestens -25° C
• Scheibenfrostschutz und Wischwasser auf Frostschutzniveau
• Wischerblätter und Beleuchtung regelmäßig prüfen
• Batterie auf Spannung überprüfen
• Reifenwechsel auf Winterreifen im November
• Dichtungen mit Pflegemitteln behandeln
• Lackpflege vor dem ersten Schnee

So winter is just around the corner, and with the right preparation, drivers can be prepared for the challenges of the cold season. For further information and detailed tips, we recommend visiting the TÜV Association website at www.tuev-verband.de and the ADAC www.adac.de.