When the cold arrives, every driver starts thinking about how to prepare the car for winter. Even experienced owners often make mistakes that can lead to premature wear of components, problems starting the engine, and even dangerous situations on the road. In this article, specialists from SerwisUA (Wrocław) present the top 5 most common mistakes when preparing a car for winter and explain how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the battery check
The battery is the heart of your car in winter. Even a small drop in temperature can reduce its capacity by 20–30%. Many drivers remember the battery only when the engine will not start on a frosty morning. Advice from SerwisUA:
- Before winter arrives, check the charge level and the condition of the terminals.
- If the battery is more than three years old — have it diagnosed.
- Watch for signs of wear: a slow-cranking starter, flickering lights, a weak horn.
At our workshop in Wrocław, specialists will test the battery and advise whether it is worth replacing before winter.
2. Using summer oil or old coolant
Another common mistake is leaving the same fluids that were used in summer.
- Summer engine oil thickens at low temperatures, which makes starting harder.
- Old or low-quality coolant can lose its properties and fail to protect the engine from freezing.
Tip: before the winter season, change to a winter oil recommended by the manufacturer. Also check the coolant level and freezing point — at SerwisUA in Wrocław we can do this in a few minutes.
3. Neglecting the tyre check
The biggest mistake is believing that winter tyres are only needed in heavy snow. In reality they work best already below +7°C. Summer tyres lose elasticity, lengthen braking distance and reduce grip. What to do:
- Fit winter tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm.
- Check pressure — it drops automatically when temperature falls.
- Do not forget wheel balancing and a geometry check of the suspension.
At SerwisUA we offer a full tyre check before winter — tread assessment, wheel balancing and a complete set change.
4. Skipping the heating system and wipers
Many drivers remember the heater only when the cabin gets cold and the windows will not demist. That is a serious mistake. A dirty heater core, a worn thermostat or an old cabin filter can cause fogged windows and limited visibility.
Recommendations from SerwisUA experts:
- Check that the heater and air conditioning work (the latter helps dry the air).
- Replace the cabin filter.
- Renew the wiper blades and fill winter washer fluid that does not freeze at sub-zero temperatures.
Our workshop also offers air-conditioning diagnostics and cleaning of the ventilation ducts, which improves comfort and safety in winter driving.
5. Underestimating anti-corrosion protection
Winter is a real challenge for the bodywork. Salt, moisture and chemicals speed up corrosion, especially at chips and scratches. Many drivers limit themselves to washing the car, but that is definitely not enough.
SerwisUA tips:
- Before winter, apply an anti-corrosion coating to the underbody and sills.
- Lubricate locks, door hinges and seals with technical silicone.
- Wash the car regularly, especially after driving on salted roads.
These steps significantly extend the life of your car and help you avoid costly body repairs.
Summary
Proper preparation of a car for winter is not only a matter of comfort, but above all of safety. A healthy battery, the right tyres, good operating fluids and body protection will help you avoid problems on the coldest days of the year.
The SerwisUA in Wrocław team offers a comprehensive winter-prep service, including:
- diagnostics of the electrical system and battery,
- oil, fluid and filter changes,
- checks of tyres, brakes and suspension,
- anti-corrosion protection of the body.
Do not wait until frost catches your car off guard — book a visit today! 📍 SerwisUA, Wrocław — your trusted partner for the winter season.