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The days are getting shorter again, the roads are wet, the light is dull and the air is cold - in order to get from A to B safely in autumn and winter, you have to prepare the car for the dark season. Engine expert Georg Barton, managing director of ATM Tornau Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, reveals what needs to be taken into account in particular with regard to the engine.
1. Change tires and check tire tread
Autumn is characterized by rainy weather and wet streets. Ground frost can occur as early as October. Installing winter tires early provides the necessary safety and avoids long waiting times in the workshops. The tread depth of new tires is approximately 8 millimeters. While driving, the tread wears down due to friction. It is advisable to replace tires with a tread depth of less than 4 millimeters in pairs: Although the prescribed minimum tread depth is 1,6 millimeters, the braking distance with worn tires can be extended by several meters and the grip on the road decreases immensely. In Germany, winter tires are mandatory on mud, ice and snow.
2. Check visibility, lighting and battery
In the dark season, drivers rely on adequate visibility. This includes not only regular cleaning of the outer and inner windows, but also checking and correctly adjusting the front and rear lamps and the indicators. According to the ADAC, the number 1 cause of a breakdown in winter is a defective or discharged battery. If the battery only makes the starter sound “tired” at temperatures just above freezing, it should be checked and replaced in a timely manner. It is also always a good idea to have a jumper cable in the car and a charging station at home.
3. Fill in antifreeze
Before the first frost, the amount of radiator antifreeze, which protects the engine down to -25 degrees, should be tested using a test device, for example at a gas station. “If the radiator level is below the mark, a trip to the workshop is necessary, as in extreme cases this can lead to engine damage,” explains Barton. The same applies to adding a suitable winter cleaner to the windshield washer fluid. It not only cleans the windows, but also protects the water, the pump and the spray nozzles from freezing.
4. Proper care
Moisture and road salt can damage the car's paint. The car should therefore be washed thoroughly before the onset of winter and showered once after every long journey in salty water. To prevent the doors from freezing, you can treat the rubber on the doors and tailgate with special care products. For the door lock, a universal spray is used for pre-treatment and a de-icing spray is used in emergencies - but it is best stored in the house or in a bag close to the body and not in the inaccessible interior of the car.
5. Pack winter gear
A few essentials should not be missing from your car during the cold season. Including the ice scraper, which has to be ready to hand quickly in the morning. De-icing spray and a hand brush help de-ice the windows or remove snow from the roof. A sponge for fogged up windows and, if you end up lying down, warm blankets or jackets to protect yourself from the cold.
6. Protect the engine
Allowing the car to warm up while stationary is not only prohibited and will result in a fine, it is also harmful to the engine. “At low speeds, the engine barely comes up to temperature. If it is still cold, more unburned fuel wets the walls of the cylinder and reduces the lubricity of the oil, causing it to deteriorate over time,” explains Barton. Therefore, instead of letting the engine warm up, drivers should use anti-freeze films for the windshield in the evening, which can be easily removed in the morning and stored in the trunk. Further information at tornau-motoren.de
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