There are several theories when it comes to getting a car ready for winter. Some reduce the whole process to a simple battery check, while others would go much further into detail. We’ll try to step aside from this mainstream view and mention a few other things you can do to winterize your car.

Driving in the Winter – Basics

Driving during the winter is not the same as driving during the summer. It isn’t so much about the driving conditions as it is about the fact that most driving risks are amplified several times. This goes for both the obvious ones and those that are not so obvious.

Breaking down in the dead of winter, especially if you live in rural parts of the far north, can be much more than a nuisance even in 2020. It can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, the very first step to winterizing the car is ensuring that it won’t break down.

Check the Battery, Coolant, and Tires

Before we get to some of the more unusual ways of winterizing the car, we need to cover the basics. These include checking the battery, checking the coolant, and inspecting the tires.

Battery – Check the CCA

Go and check your battery for Cold Cranking Amps. This will tell you whether your battery will last through the winter or if it will leave you stranded in the morning one day. Replace the battery if the test shows low CCA power, even if it is working for you right now. It won’t be working too well when temperatures go below zero. You can check your battery at any auto store or shop.

Coolant – Correct Type and Levels

Coolant is a big one. It’s what keeps the engine running in the winter. Ensure that you have the right type of coolant in your vehicle and that it is at appropriate levels.

If you’ve been adding only distilled water over the summer, make sure that your coolant mixture is even good for winter. The antifreeze to distilled water ratio should be at least 1:1. Last but not least, change the coolant before winter if you haven’t done it in a few years or more.

Tires – Use the Right Type for your Area

Using winter tires is the optimal choice for winter driving, hands down. However, all-season tires will work as well if you’re not too far north. Make sure that your tires are healthy and check how much tread is left. You’ll want as much grip as you can get in cold, icy weather. Additionally, check the tire pressure as it can change the way your vehicle brakes and handles during the winter.

Wipers

Wipers and wiper blades also require a quick check. Make sure they’re not brittle or that your wiper motors aren’t broken. There’s nothing worse than leaving your home only to find out that your wiper blades aren’t working 20 minutes into a snowstorm. It’s 2020, get yourself a set of silicone wiper blades if you haven’t already.

Additional Tips and Suggestions for Safer Winter Driving

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s talk about things that aren’t often mentioned in guides of this type. What we’re about to discuss should be part of every northerner’s in-car equipment. However, these tips could help people in more moderate climates as well.

Must-Have Equipment

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. As cliche as this adage is, it’s still solid advice. Depending on how far north you live and how cold the weather gets, being prepared might be a necessity rather than a privilege.

Any car, new or used, can leave you stranded on the side of the road. It has happened before, it’s happening as you’re reading this, and it will happen in the future. Being stranded on the side of I-95 somewhere in North Carolina probably won’t negatively impact your health. On the other hand, being stranded somewhere in rural Michigan in the middle of January with iffy cell service can quickly become a problem.

Because of that, you should always have the most basic cold weather survival equipment in your car. You’ll want something that will keep you warm, keep you hydrated and provide you with energy.

Staying Warm

In case your car breaks down in a remote area or a snowstorm, staying warm should be your No.1 priority. If we take that your engine is dead, you’ll quickly find out that a car is not a great place to be in the dead of winter. That being said, going outside guarantees exposure.

There are several ways to stay warm in a cold car when the weather outside is icy. Even a single candle can bring the average temperature up a few degrees. It’s not much, but it helps. A much better solution is to have an extra jacket and a blanket in your trunk.

We recommend a nice woobie. They’re cheap, and if you ask any veteran, they’ll tell you exactly how warm and comfy these things can be when the weather outside is atrocious, and you’re cold. Everyone should have a woobie at home, but that’s a story for another time.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential in any emergency situation. Depending on where you’re stuck and what’s going on outside, you could be stuck for a day or even more in some extreme situations. It’s a good idea to have a bottle of water in your car at all times. Keep it away from sunlight, and you won’t have to deal with the bad taste.

Energy

Next, it would be a good idea to have a candy bar or some sort of caloric fuel in your car. Granted, the chances of you finding yourself in a situation where this type of quick access calories is essential are slim to none.

Still, only you know the area where you live and how bad it can get if you’re caught outside in a snow storm. Maybe keeping a protein bar in the glove compartment or under the armrest isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Emergency Equipment

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to have a few flares, a reflective piece of clothing, and a small spade in your car. These items make a fundamental emergency kit that will help you be found if stranded and get out of a sticky situation if you get stuck in the snow.

Prepare Your Car for Winter with Genuine Parts and Quality Brands

If you’re looking for quality Genuine, OEM, or aftermarket parts for your European car, you’re in the right place. Here at eEuroparts.com, we carry one of the largest catalogs of automotive parts and accessories for Euro car models.

To find the parts that fit your vehicle, simply head over to our online store and input your car’s make and model. Our system will crunch the data and return a list of products that match your inquiry. Get in touch with our customer support service if you have any questions regarding our offer.