- Winter tires outperform all-season tires on snow and ice, improving grip and stopping distances.
- Edmunds test shows winter tires dramatically faster to 65 km/h and shorter braking.
- Tire pressure drops about 0.07 bar per 10°C; check monthly in winter.
- Winter reduces battery capacity; minimum 600 CCA and test below 0°C.
The cold season tests every vehicle, and proper preparation can make the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous situation. Low temperatures, ice, and especially road salt can cause serious problems for your car if you’re not prepared in advance.
From the starting system to the tires that keep you on the road, every component of the vehicle is affected by winter conditions. An unprepared vehicle can leave you stranded in the middle of a snowstorm or on a frozen road.
Winter tires vs all-season tires: essential differences
Most vehicles leave the factory equipped with all-season tires, designed to offer a compromise between fuel economy, ride comfort, and durability. These tires perform well on dry and wet roads, as well as on a very thin layer of snow.
The problem arises when the snow layer becomes thicker or when icy conditions appear. In such situations, all-season tires lose their effectiveness dramatically.
Edmunds test: numbers speak for themselves
A test conducted by Edmunds.com in northern Minnesota, using a Honda Civic Si, clearly demonstrated the differences in performance:
Acceleration to 65 km/h:
- With winter tires: 11.7 seconds
- With all-season tires: 41.7 seconds
Braking distance from 96 km/h:
- With winter tires: 110 meters (the length of a football field)
- With all-season tires: 159 meters (49 meters more!)
Why are winter tires more effective?
Winter tires have a few distinctive features:
- Rubber compound remains flexible at low temperatures
- Tread pattern with fine sipes that grip snow and ice
- Channel design that effectively evacuates slush and water
Even if in some parts of Romania snow on the road stays for only 2-3 weeks a year, a single critical situation can generate costs far greater than a new set of winter tires.
Checking and adjusting tire pressure
Once you have chosen the right tires, tire pressure becomes crucial for safety. The physical law says pressure drops by about 0.07 bar for every 10°C drop in outside temperature.
Why does this happen? Air inside the tire contracts at low temperatures, reducing pressure. Low pressure means:
- Reduced grip
- Uneven wear
- Higher fuel consumption
- Increased risk of blowouts
Practical recommendations:
- Check pressure monthly during winter
- Measure pressure when tires are cold
- Adjust to the manufacturer’s specifications
Battery maintenance and protection
The battery is often neglected until it stops working. In winter, it endures considerable stress because:
- Engines are harder to start in the cold
- Battery capacity falls at low temperatures
- Electrical consumption increases (headlights, defrosting, heating)
Winter battery specifications
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA):
- Minimum recommended: 600 CCA
- Must be tested below 0°C
- The higher the CCA rating, the stronger the battery in the cold
Maintaining connections
Corrosion on battery terminals can cause poor contact:
- Disconnect the cables (negative first)
- Clean corrosion with a baking soda and water solution
- Dry thoroughly and reconnect (positive first)
- Apply grease on the terminals for protection
Additional protection
A battery insulator can provide extra thermal protection, keeping a more constant temperature and extending life.
Washing and protecting the bodywork
Although it may seem cosmetic, protecting the bodywork is crucial for the vehicle’s longevity. Road salt is highly corrosive and can cause premature rust.
Factory protective coatings
Modern vehicles come with four protective layers:
- Primer – basic protection against corrosion
- Undercoat – smoothing the surface
- Paint – protection and appearance
- Clear coat – final protection and gloss
Over time these layers degrade and require additional protection.
Winter washing schedule
- Before the season: full wash and protective wax application
- During the season: frequent washes, focusing on the underbody
- After storms: immediate wash to remove salt
Special attention to:
- Wheel arches
- Seams of the body panels
- Underside of the vehicle
- Sills and door edges
Checking and topping up fluids
Vehicle fluids undergo significant changes in winter:
Coolant
- Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -25°C)
- Check the reservoir level
- Visually inspect for leaks
Windshield washer fluid
- Use antifreeze-compatible fluid down to -20°C
- Keep a spare bottle in the trunk
- Check the spray jets operation
Engine oil
- Consider switching to a lower-viscosity winter oil (0W-30 instead of 10W-40)
- Check the level more frequently
- Schedule the oil change before the cold season
Winter emergency kit
A well-equipped emergency kit can save lives in extreme situations. It should contain:
Survival equipment
- Thermally insulated sleeping bags
- Emergency thermal blankets
- Hand and foot warmers
- Large trash bags (surprisingly effective for retaining heat)
Food and water
- Drinking water (minimum 2 liters per person)
- Energy bars
- Canned foods that do not freeze
- High-calorie cookies
Technical gear
- Jump-start cables
- Foldable snow shovel
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Basic tool kit
- Car charger for phone
Medications and care
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
- Personal medications needed
- Multitool
- Waterproof matches
Extra clothing
- Waterproof gloves
- Thick socks
- Spare footwear
- Thermal hat
Comfort and communication items
- Portable radio with batteries
- Books or games to pass the time
- Paper and pencil for emergency notes
- Foldable backpack for transporting gear if you need to leave the vehicle
Other important checks
Heating system
- Test the heater operation
- Check cabin filters
- Inspect the defrost system
Lighting
- Clean headlights and taillights regularly
- Check the operation of all bulbs
- Keep spare bulbs
Windshield wipers
- Replace worn blades
- Consider winter-specific wipers
- Check windshield washer operation
Preparing your car for winter isn’t just a matter of comfort; it’s a safety issue. Investing in the right equipment and dedicating time to checks can prevent dangerous and costly situations. Remember that in winter, prudence and preparation make the difference between a safe journey and a traumatic experience.
