Winter is coming: a five-point checklist before the first frost
Tyres, battery, fluids and lights — what to check before the cold season, and when to book inspection so you're not caught out.
Autogo Editorial
Every year the first real snowfall produces the same queue at the tyre shop. Run this checklist in October and skip the queue.
The five points
- Tyres — tread below 4 mm is done for snow, whatever the law says. Check the DOT year too: rubber older than six winters hardens.
- Battery — a battery that cranked slowly in summer will not survive a −10° morning. Load-test it; do not guess.
- Fluids — washer fluid rated for frost, coolant checked for concentration, oil changed if it is near the interval.
- Lights — winter is dark. Replace dim bulbs in pairs and aim the headlights.
- Wipers — one season is what a set of blades is good for.
A car that starts, stops and lets you see is 90% of winter safety. The rest is driving slower.
If your technical inspection is due before spring, book it now — stations fill up in December when everyone remembers at once.
Autogo Editorial
Guides and market analysis from the Autogo team, checked against the current legal schedule before publishing.
