5 things - that you should check during your car's winter check

Winter is approaching and temperatures are dropping. Wet and cold are not only a challenge for you as a driver, but also for the car. Arm yourself for the coming season before winter catches you out in the cold. We have put together some helpful tips for your vehicle's winter check here.

A list of things you should definitely check before winter

1. Winter tyres: In Germany, there is a situational winter tyre requirement, i.e. driving with winter tyres is not tied to a specific date. You must use winter tyres in winter road conditions - i.e. when there is black ice, slippery snow, slush, black ice or slippery frost. You can find a detailed article on the subject of winter tyres here here.
2. Battery: The car battery is subject to particularly high loads in winter due to headlights, heating etc. The battery should be replaced after 4 years at the latest. Older batteries quickly give up at the first frost - take precautions! 
3. Lighting: To ensure that you can see and be seen well in the darker months of the year, it is advisable to regularly check that the lights are working properly.
4. Discs: Antifreeze should be added to the windscreen wiper fluid in winter. This will ensure that the water does not freeze the pump and spray nozzles.
   Brittle windscreen wipers should be replaced as they cause streaks on the windscreen. Tip: You can place the windscreen wipers on a cover film overnight. This will prevent them from freezing and becoming damaged.
5. Cooler: The radiator should have sufficient antifreeze in winter. If this is not the case, there is a risk of the radiator fluid freezing at low temperatures, resulting in expensive damage.

You can also do the following as a precaution

To prepare yourself and your car for the winter, you should not only check the vehicle itself. Other precautions will also help you get your car through the winter. Make sure you keep an ice scraper in your car. This way, you have it to hand when you need it and don't have to search for it for a long time in the morning if your windows are frozen over. If your car breaks down or you are stuck in a traffic jam, it is also always advisable to place a warm blanket in the car. A windscreen cover prevents the windscreen from freezing up on cold nights. This means you have less work scraping the windscreen in the morning.

What you should consider before travelling

Before setting off, it is important to completely clear the car of ice and snow. On the one hand, this removes any obstructions to visibility on the windscreen of your car. Secondly, snow or ice cannot collect on large surfaces such as the roof and bonnet, which could then come loose when braking and possibly hit cars or people. 

In winter, you want your car to be warm as quickly as possible. Many drivers use the time while scraping ice to switch on the heating. Make sure that you do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary, as this has a high environmental impact and is also prohibited.

In winter in particular, not only snow and ice but also misted-up windscreens obstruct your view. Only set off when the windows are no longer steamed up. Using the heater, blower or air conditioning, you will have a clear view again.

What you should do if you have an accident in winter

Even good preparation for winter does not prevent emergencies. If you do have an accident, it is important that you keep calm.

You can find out how to proceed in detail in the event of an accident here.

Once you have documented and settled everything at the scene of the accident, it's time to settle the claim. After an accident, you are entitled to various cost reimbursements. As the injured party, for example, you have the right to reimbursement of repair, expert and hire car costs.

If you do not know what claims you have, then leave them now check.