How to Winterise Your Car – Checklist for Tyres, Battery, Antifreeze & Emergency Kit

01

Winter Tyres & Wheels

5 Punkte

Switch to winter tyres in good time (generally from October to Easter in cold climates)Check for the mandatory 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol on winter or all-season tyres where requiredMeasure tread depth across all four tyres (legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but at least 4 mm is recommended for winter)Check tyre pressures after fitting and adjust for cold weather (refer to your vehicle handbook)Re-torque wheel nuts or bolts with a torque wrench after driving around 30 to 60 miles (50–100 km)

02

Fluids & Antifreeze

4 Punkte

Test the antifreeze concentration in your engine coolant (target protection: around -25°C to -30°C)Fill the screenwash reservoir with winter-grade screenwash (rated to at least -20°C)Run the front and rear washers briefly after filling so the winter mix reaches the hoses and jetsCheck the engine oil level with the dipstick and top up with the manufacturer-approved grade if needed

03

Battery, Electrics & EVs

3 Punkte

Have the health and charge of your 12V starter battery tested before the first hard frostPack jump leads or a compact portable jump-starter power bank in the bootFor EVs: use pre-conditioning while plugged into your home charger to warm the cabin and save battery range

04

Windscreen, Wipers & Lights

3 Punkte

Inspect front and rear wiper blades for smearing or perished rubber and replace if wornClean the inside of the windscreen thoroughly with glass cleaner to cut down on misting and low-sun glareTest all exterior lights (dipped beam, main beam, tail lights, brake lights, indicators)

05

Heating, Air Con & Cabin

4 Punkte

Check the cabin air filter (pollen filter) and replace if clogged (prevents steamed-up windows)Run the air conditioning regularly in winter to dehumidify the cabin air and keep A/C seals lubricatedPlace a reusable car dehumidifier bag on the dashboard to prevent dampness and ice forming on the inside of the glassSwap carpet floor mats for heavy-duty rubber mats over winter to trap slush and wet mud

06

Bodywork, Paintwork & Door Seals

2 Punkte

Wipe dry all rubber seals around doors, boot, and bonnet, then treat them with rubber care stick or silicone sprayKeep a lock de-icer handy – and store it outside the car (in your coat pocket or at home, not in the glovebox!)

07

Winter Kit for Your Car & Boot

7 Punkte

08

Long Journeys, Traffic Jams & Mountain Driving

5 Punkte

Pack snow chains or snow socks sized for your drive wheels (mandatory on many alpine passes!)Practice fitting your snow chains once at home in the dry and in daylight before your tripPack warm wool blankets or foil emergency blankets for all passengers in case you get stranded in snowBring a thermos flask with a hot drink plus drinking water and high-energy snacks (cereal bars, nuts)Never let your fuel tank or EV battery drop below a quarter full in winter (vital heating reserve if stuck in stationary traffic!)

How to Winterise Your Car – Checklist for Tyres, Battery, Antifreeze & Emergency Kit

Winter Tyres & Wheels

Fluids & Antifreeze

Battery, Electrics & EVs

Windscreen, Wipers & Lights

Heating, Air Con & Cabin

Bodywork, Paintwork & Door Seals

Winter Kit for Your Car & Boot

Long Journeys, Traffic Jams & Mountain Driving

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