Even a slight nighttime frost increases the load on the battery, can reduce tire pressure, and freeze windshield washer fluid that is not suitable for the season. Before the cold snap, the driver should check five main points.
First frost down to −2°C: start with the battery and antifreeze
Cold reduces battery efficiency, and a weak battery can manifest itself through slow starter cranking. We advise checking the terminals, and for old batteries - the condition of the battery and charging system.
“Cold weather is especially hard on old batteries, and slow starting can be a warning sign,” notes author Oleksii Astapov.
The coolant level is checked on a cold engine. It is also important to make sure that the system uses antifreeze of the correct type and concentration.
Preparing the car for frost includes three more checks
The washer reservoir should contain winter fluid. We recommend a mixture with protection down to at least −15°C, since ordinary water or a weak solution can freeze in the reservoir and nozzles.
Before a frosty night, you should check:
the pressure in all tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
the condition and pressure of the spare wheel, if provided;
the rubber seals of the doors and trunk.
Due to the drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease. To protect the door seals from freezing, we recommend applying a silicone product with a cloth, preventing it from getting on the paintwork.
