Knowledge base · Seasonal
Getting your car ready for winter — the check that matters
Cold rarely creates new problems. What it does do is expose existing weaknesses mercilessly: the battery that just about coped in October, the wiper that was already streaking, the tyre that sat just above the limit. This is the check that genuinely makes a difference.
The battery: number one cause of winter breakdowns
At low temperatures a battery delivers less current, while thicker oil means the engine needs more starting power. Those two work against each other — which is why a weak battery almost always fails on the first frosty night rather than in September.
Have the battery condition and charging voltage measured; that is a few minutes' test. If the starter turns more slowly in the mornings, don't wait: see car won't start — battery, alternator or starter.
Tyres
Tread depth determines how fast you can clear water and slush. Measure at several points across the width, not just in the middle — uneven wear also points to an alignment or suspension problem. Check pressures too: they drop as temperatures fall, and soft tyres worsen grip and braking distance.
Winter tyres are not compulsory in the Netherlands, but rubber becomes noticeably harder below roughly seven degrees. If you drive a lot in the early morning or travel to countries where they are required, it is a genuine consideration.
Visibility: wipers, washers and lights
- Wiper blades that already streak will be worse in winter. They are cheap and replaced in minutes.
- Screen wash with antifreeze. Water in the reservoir freezes, leaving you with a dirty screen and a broken pump.
- Lighting matters more in the dark season and is the most frequently noted APK rejection point. Check all settings, including the third brake light and number plate light.
Coolant: not only about boiling
Coolant protects against freezing and against corrosion inside the engine. Too much water lowers the freezing protection; we measure the concentration and check for leaks at the same time. Frozen coolant can crack a block — the most expensive way to save ten euros of fluid.
What people forget
- The air conditioning. It is genuinely useful in winter: it dries the air and demists the glass far faster. Using it also keeps the seals supple — see why air-con servicing matters in winter too.
- Door seals. A thin layer of silicone grease stops them freezing shut and tearing when you pull the door open.
- Rinsing off road salt. The underside and the wheel arches; salt is the direct cause of corrosion on load-bearing parts, which later becomes a rejection point.
- An ice scraper and gloves in the car rather than in the shed.
When to book
October or early November. There is still room in the diary and time to order parts — in December everyone turns up at once with the same complaint.
Belongs with brakes and servicing in Tilburg — measured, not guessed.