Preparing your car for winter: 10 proven tips before the cold weather sets in

The winter season requires special attention to your car. Learn how to prepare your car for the cold weather, avoid breakdowns, and ensure safety on the road

Get your car insurance at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed protection on the road in just 5 minutes!

BUY

Winter is a real test for a car. Frost, short days, ice, and salt slush on the roads quickly reveal how thoroughly a driver has prepared for the season. Proper preparation means not only comfort, but also safety, fuel economy, and confidence that the car will not let you down at a critical moment.

As written by the Auto24 portal, it is worth preparing in advance, as soon as the temperature consistently drops below +7 °C. Here are 10 key steps to help you get through winter without stress.

1. Replace your tires with winter tires

Don't wait for snow — winter tires work not only on snow, but also in cold weather. At +5 °C, summer tires already harden, and traction deteriorates significantly. The tread depth must be at least 4 mm — otherwise, the car may “float” even on wet asphalt.

It is also worth checking the tire pressure: it drops in cold weather, which affects handling. If you are planning trips out of town or to the mountains, it would be a good idea to take anti-skid chains.

2. Check all technical fluids

Winter preparation is a great opportunity to refresh your supply of technical fluids. Antifreeze from last season may have lost its properties — check its density. Brake fluid must be clean, without impurities or sediment. Oil is especially important: winter viscosity must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations. And don't forget to replace your summer washer fluid with winter fluid: a frozen tank is one of the most common problems in cold weather.

3. Check the battery — the main “traitor” in the cold

At a temperature of –10 °C, the battery loses up to a third of its power. If the battery is more than three years old, it is better to check its capacity at a service center. Always keep jumper cables or a booster in your trunk. These simple things can be a lifesaver at the most inconvenient moment.

4. Take care of the lights

Winter days are short, so any faulty lamp is a safety hazard. Check:

● Whether the headlights are correctly adjusted;

● Whether the headlight glass is cloudy;

● Whether the rear fog lights are working.

Additional tip: replace your windshield wiper blades, as old rubber becomes stiff in the cold and does not clean the glass.

5. Put together an “emergency kit”

Every driver should have the following items in their trunk in winter: a shovel, a tow rope, gloves, a blanket, a flashlight, and a bottle of water. If you are going to the mountains, add a bag of sand or salt to sprinkle under the wheels. These simple items have saved drivers from trouble on winter roads more than once.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

6. Don't forget to clean your car regularly

Snow, ice, and chemicals quickly damage the body and undercarriage. Wash your car even in winter, especially after driving in the city. Salt and chemicals should be washed off immediately to prevent corrosion. After washing, treat the rubber door seals with silicone — this will help prevent freezing.

7. Warm up the engine wisely

Two to three minutes of warming up before departure is enough. Idling longer is just a waste of fuel. The engine reaches operating temperature faster while driving.

The optimal temperature in the passenger compartment is around 21 °C. To prevent the windows from fogging up, turn on the air conditioner from time to time.

8. Check the brakes and suspension

Winter is the time when brakes must work flawlessly. Pay attention to any noises or vibrations when braking. Check the condition of the shock absorbers — on slippery roads, a serviceable suspension will help you maintain control of the car.

9. Driving style — no sudden movements

In winter, the car requires calmness: smooth movements, gentle braking, and greater distance. On a slippery road, any sudden maneuver can lead to skidding. And don't forget about water on the road: due to heating, the air in the cabin becomes dry, so drivers often feel tired faster.

10. Check your documents and car insurance

Before hitting the road, make sure your car insurance is valid. It is mandatory for every driver in Ukraine — and in winter this is especially important, as the accident rate increases.

You can quickly purchase car insurance online through Visit Ukraine: the service offers policies from trusted insurance companies, convenient payment, and instant delivery of insurance to your email. This saves time and protects you from unexpected expenses if an unfortunate situation occurs on a slippery road.

Winter does not forgive carelessness. Every little thing — from the condition of your tires to a working headlight — affects safety. By preparing your car in advance, you will not only avoid breakdowns, but also save your nerves, fuel, and money.

Remember: the best protection on the road is attentiveness, caution, and confidence that your car is 100% ready for winter.

We remind you! Using summer tires in winter can result in a fine and even a restriction on your right to drive. Read about when to change your tires, what penalties are provided by law, and how to prepare your car for the cold season.

Photo: Shutterstock

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.