Winter tyres
Please note when travelling. In many countries in Europe, winter tyres are compulsory in given climatic conditions – on slush, ice and snow. In winter driving conditions and snowfall, winter tyres offer better grip and braking performance due to their rubber compound. For optimal performance of the winter tyre, the tyre pressure must also be checked and adjusted regularly
Brakes
In icy and snowy conditions, properly functioning brakes are particularly important. Therefore, they should be checked once before winter. The brake fluid level should also be checked. It is best to have this checked when you change your tyres.
Checking the car battery
If the battery only spins the starter motor tiredly at temperatures above freezing point, especially if short journeys are frequently made, the battery should definitely be checked regularly and, if necessary, charged or replaced in good time to prevent total failure
Adjusting the lighting
You must be able to rely on your lights during the dark season. If the lights are incorrectly adjusted, either the road is not properly illuminated or oncoming traffic is dazzled. Therefore, all lights should be checked and, if necessary, adjusted correctly in a workshop.
Check radiator antifreeze
Too low a coolant level can lead to engine damage in extreme cases. The radiator antifreeze should be set to at least -25° Celsius. This can be checked quite easily at the petrol station or in the workshop with a small tester. If the coolant level has dropped below the minimum mark, it is advisable to have the workshop determine the cause.
Check windscreen antifreeze
Suitable winter cleaner should be added to the windscreen wiper water – this not only cleans the windscreens, but also ensures that the water, pump and spray nozzles do not freeze.
Maintain door seals and door locks
To prevent doors from freezing in icy temperatures, it is advisable to treat the door rubbers with special rubber care products. Products with deer tallow are particularly suitable, as they keep the rubbers supple. Vaseline is not suitable for this purpose
Caring for door locks
If you spray a universal spray or other non-resinous oil into the door locks, you can hope that they will not freeze.
Caring for paintwork
Wetness, cold and road salt can seriously damage car paintwork. Therefore, go to the car wash before the first snow. Also care for the car with polish and wax.
Pack winter equipment in the car
The basic equipment includes an ice scraper, a hand brush, a cover and insulating foil for the windscreen, a jumper cable, waterproof gloves, snow chains and a blanket.
Tips from the editors:
If you want to get to your destination safely and well-equipped for the winter at any time, rent a car from Sixt without any complications.
