How to properly prepare the car for the cold season. Just changing the tires to winter tires is not enough
Car mechanics draw attention, before the arrival of the cold season, that preparing the car for winter is mandatory to avoid unpleasant surprises. This doesn't just mean changing the tires, the first thing most drivers think of.
It takes more than just changing tires. PHOTO Shutterstock
“This is the first thing when the cold season comes. The most important thing is that the tire is winter and correct for the car, not like this summer tire.” explains a car mechanic for the Observer.
According to the specialist, the car should be checked before the temperatures drop. The antifreeze must be in good parameters. And the battery, which is among the most requested parts in winter, must be properly tested.
The mechanic says that the wiper blades and windshield solution also need to be changed to ones suitable for the cold season.
“You get straight into the service.”
The specialist warns that the windshield solution during the summer can freeze:
“The engine can break down, the vessel can burn or break, and then you're straight into service.”
The checks should be done in an authorized service, where it can be determined exactly what needs to be changed.
It is also recommended to carry out the geometry at each tire change, and the pressure in the wheels must be adjusted exactly as indicated for the car model.
Ignoring warning lights on the dashboard is another common mistake.
“We don't have to drive it anymore, but go to the service and find out what that witness means. Just as we go to the doctor when we have symptoms, so we also come to the mechanic with the car.” he explains.
“We estimate a 20-25% increase in winter tire sales this season”
We remind you that demand for winter tires started almost a month earlier than last year, the trend being supported by low temperatures since September and better planning of purchases.
Automotive experts have noticed a return to the preventive behavior of drivers, more and more Romanians purchasing tires dedicated to the cold season before November. Currently, approximately 65% of the orders during this period are for winter tires and the rest for all season.
The most sought after sizes are those for the most popular car models – Dacia Logan, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, but also for compact SUVs.
“Customers are more attentive to safety and the real costs of using the car in the cold season. A winter tire provides better grip on wet or cold roads and reduces the braking distance by up to 10 meters at 50 km/h compared to a summer tyre. At the same time, planning your shopping outside the peak season means savings of up to 200 lei per set and eliminating the risk of not finding the size you want. This change in behavior is especially noticeable in customers who equip their cars before the temperature drops consistently below 7°C. We estimate a 20–25% increase in winter tire sales this season, with a return to a rational and prevention-oriented buying style“, says Costin Stan, CEO of one of the largest auto parts stores.
