Winter in Lower Silesia is a challenge not only for drivers, but also for their cars.
Drivers often underestimate the local winter. Although frosts around −20°C happen here less often than in eastern Europe, high humidity, frequent temperature swings around zero and a large amount of road salt create an aggressive environment for a vehicle’s mechanisms.
The SerwisUA team has prepared a thorough checklist for you. These are not ordinary tips of the “change the tyres” kind — this is professional car winter preparation that will save your money and nerves and guarantee safety on the roads of Wrocław and the surrounding area.
1. Tyres: why “all-seasons” are a risk?
The first step is to look after the wheels. In Poland the law does not impose an absolute duty to change to winter tyres (unlike neighbouring Czechia or Germany), but responsibility in the event of a collision rests with the driver. If the insurer proves that the accident happened because of tyres unsuited to the conditions, the payout may be withheld.
When to change tyres?
At SerwisUA we recommend the “+7 degrees” rule. When the average daily temperature falls below that value, a summer tyre hardens and loses grip even on dry asphalt.
What to pay attention to:
- Tread depth: in winter the absolute minimum is 4 mm. If it is less, the tyre will not cope with slush (which in Wrocław is more common than dry snow).
- Tyre age: if your tyres are more than 5–6 years old, even with a good tread they lose elasticity.
- Wheel geometry (toe): after a tyre change, always check the toe. Slippery winter roads do not forgive steering errors.
2. Operating fluids: your car’s blood
Preparing a car for winter is impossible without checking the fluids.
Coolant
In summer many drivers top up with distilled water. In winter that can lead to a cracked radiator or engine block.
- Expert tip: drop in at SerwisUA — in 2 minutes we will check the freezing point of your fluid with a refractometer. The standard for Poland is −35°C.
Winter washer fluid
Do not wait for the first frosts. Summer fluid in the tank can freeze already at −1°C, which risks damaging the washer pump and nozzles. Empty the tank of summer fluid and pour in high-quality winter fluid (rated to −20°C) that does not contain methanol.
Engine oil
In winter the load on the engine at a “cold start” increases several times over. If an oil change is approaching (or you use oil that is too thick, e.g. 10W-40 in an older car), it is worth considering a change to a fresh oil that matches the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. The battery: the main cause of morning problems
A temperature drop to −10°C reduces battery cranking power by 30–50%. If your battery is more than 3–4 years old, on a frosty morning it may simply fail to start the engine.
What we check at SerwisUA:
- Voltage under load (cranking current).
- Terminal condition (deposits on the contacts create resistance).
- Alternator charging level (whether it keeps up with charging the battery when the heater, lights and seat heating are on).
Important: in modern cars with a Start-Stop system, AGM/EFB batteries require a special adaptation (coding) procedure when replaced. Do not do this yourself in a garage.
4. Visibility and lighting: safety after dark
In winter in Wrocław it is already dark by 15:30. Rain, fog and smog significantly worsen visibility.
- Wipers: if they leave streaks — replace them immediately. In winter the windscreen is constantly dirty from mud and salt thrown up by other cars.
- Headlights: check all bulbs. We also recommend polishing clouded lamp lenses — this improves road lighting by 30–40%.
- Fogged windows: replace the cabin filter. An old, dust-clogged filter is the main cause of windows fogging from the inside. Also check that the air conditioning works — in winter it is essential for drying the air in the cabin.
5. Body and underbody: protection against salt
This is a specific point for Poland. Roads here are heavily salted and treated with chemicals.
Paint protection
The smallest scratch can turn into a corrosion spot by spring.
- Solution: hard wax or applying a ceramic coating before the season will create a protective layer.
- Car washing: in winter the car should be washed more often to rinse off salt, especially from the wheel arches and sills.
Brake system
Salt gets into the calipers and guides, causing them to seize. That leads to uneven braking (the car pulling to one side) and rapid pad wear. Brake-system prevention is a mandatory procedure before winter.
6. Polish winter rules: what is worth remembering?
As a responsible workshop in Wrocław, we care that our customers avoid fines. Remember these important points:
- Warming up the engine: in Poland it is forbidden to leave a running engine parked in a built-up area for longer than 1 minute. The fine is from 100 to 300 PLN. Modern cars are ready to drive immediately — just drive the first kilometres calmly, without revving the engine high.
- Clearing snow: driving with a “snowman” (snow on the roof, bonnet or lamps) is punished with a fine of up to 3000 PLN! The car must be completely cleared of snow.
7. A driver’s winter essentials (Must Have)
Besides the mandatory fire extinguisher and warning triangle, put in the boot:
- Silicone grease for door seals (so they do not freeze after a wash).
- Lock de-icer (keep it in your pocket, not in the car!).
- A scraper with a brush.
- A tow rope.
- Jump leads.
Why entrust car preparation to SerwisUA?
We understand your needs. SerwisUA is a place in Wrocław where:
- Communication without barriers: we speak your language — Polish and Ukrainian. We will explain every fault in a clear way.
- Transparent prices: we agree the cost of repairs before they start.
- A comprehensive approach: we do not only change the oil, we look at the car as a complete system.
Preparing a car for winter is an investment in your safety. Do not wait for the first snow and queues at tyre shops.
Ready for winter?
Book a full diagnosis and car preparation today!