How to Prepare Your Car for Winter: An Expert Guide for Owners of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles

19.12.2025

Winter is the most demanding season for any vehicle. Low temperatures affect all systems, from tires and suspension to batteries and climate control. Proper preparation helps maintain your car's reliability, efficiency, and safety.

1. Tires: The Foundation of Winter Safety

Properly selected and maintained winter tires are the most important step in winter preparation.

What to do:

• Check tread depth: at least 4 mm minimum; for electric vehicles, 5 mm or more is recommended due to higher torque.
• Inspect the rubber surface for micro-cracks and signs of hardening.
• Check the production date: tires older than 5 seasons begin to lose their properties.
• Monitor tire pressure - in cold weather, pressure drops by about 0.1-0.2 bar for every 10°C decrease.
• Perform wheel balancing.

2. Battery: The Primary Source of Issues in Winter

Most winter failures relate to the battery, though preparation differs for ICE, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

ICE Vehicles The battery powers the starter and all systems.

What to check:

• Voltage (normal: 12.3-12.7 V).
• Cold cranking amps (CCA).
• Terminal cleanliness and condition.
• Alternator charging voltage (normal: 13.8-14.5 V).

Signs of good condition:

• Engine starts reliably.
• No oxidation on terminals.
• Multimeter readings within norms.

Hybrid Vehicles Hybrids have two batteries: 12V and high-voltage (HV).

What to pay attention to:

• 12V battery voltage should not drop below 12 V.
• Update the hybrid system software.
• Check the HV battery cooling fans.

Signs of good condition:

• No system errors.
• 12V battery holds load well.
• HV fan operates quietly.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) The most temperature-sensitive component is the high-voltage battery.

What to do:

• Check HV battery state of health (SOH).
• Set up preconditioning from the grid.
• Inspect the charging port and cables.
• Update software - it often optimizes winter modes.

Signs of good condition:

• No warnings about power loss.
• Preconditioning and heating work properly.
• Charging process does not stop unexpectedly.

3. Fluids: Antifreeze and Oil

Fluids play a more critical role in ICE and hybrids than in EVs.

Antifreeze (ICE and hybrids):

• Check density with a hydrometer at a service center.
• Freezing point should be -35°C or lower.
• Replace fully every 3-5 years as per norms.

Engine Oil (ICE and hybrids):

• Choose lower-viscosity oil for winter (e.g., 0W-20 instead of 5W-30).
• Ensure summer oil is completely drained.

4. Brake System: An Often Overlooked Critical Component

In winter, braking distance increases, so the system's condition is especially important.

What is checked at service:

• Brake pad thickness (at least 3 mm).
• Disc condition.
• Brake fluid level.
• In EVs - ensure brakes don’t “seize” due to frequent regenerative braking.

Signs of good performance:

• Handbrake does not freeze.
• Handbrake lever operates clearly and smoothly.

5. Suspension and Steering

Low temperatures dry out rubber parts and degrade lubrication properties.

Recommended:

• Check ball joints.
• Inspect shock absorbers.
• Verify integrity of CV joint boots.

6. Body and Interior Preparation

What to do:

• Lubricate rubber seals with silicone.
• Apply protective wax to the body.
• Replace wipers.
• Install rubber floor mats.

Signs of good condition:

• Seals do not stick.
• Wipers leave no streaks on the glass.

Winter Kit for Your Car

It is recommended to always keep in the vehicle:

• Gloves, ice scraper, and brush.
• Shovel.
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter/power bank.
• Bag of sand or anti-slip mats.
• Portable compressor.
• For EVs - extension cord and spare charging cable.

Preparing your car for winter is not a one-time task but a comprehensive approach that ensures the vehicle's adaptation to cold conditions and reliability. Each type of car has its specifics: hybrids are sensitive to 12V battery condition, EVs to HV battery temperature, and ICE vehicles to oil and antifreeze quality.

The more thorough the diagnostics you perform, the more reliably your car will handle the coldest period of winter.