Winter is just around the corner and your car needs to be prepared. Freezing temperatures, slippery conditions, snow, and short days put high demands on your car. This comprehensive winter check ensures your car remains safe and reliable during the cold months.
In this guide, you'll find a comprehensive 15-point checklist to winterize your car, plus practical tips and advice from the mechanics at Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein.
Why Winterize Your Car?
Winter brings challenging conditions that affect your car:
- Cold: Battery, fluids and rubber parts take a beating
- Moisture: Increased risk of rust and condensation
- Darkness: More demand for good lighting
- Smoothness: Additional requirements for tires and brakes
- Road salt: Aggressive for paint and chassis
Good winter preparation prevents breakdowns, increases safety and saves repair costs.
Complete 15-Point Winter Check
1. Check Battery
The battery is the most common cause of winter breakdowns. Cold reduces its capacity by as much as 30-50 percent.
- Have the voltage tested: Minimum 12.4 volts with the engine switched off
- Check battery age: Batteries older than 4-5 years are vulnerable
- Check poles: Cleaning and fixing
- Preventive replacement: When in doubt, better to replace than to leave it stranded on the roadside
Faay tip: Have your battery tested for free during your maintenance service. A new battery costs €75-€200.
2. Mounting winter tires
Winter tires are essential at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, even without snow.
- When to install: From October to April (O-to-O rule)
- Minimum profile: 4mm for a secure grip (legal 1.6mm)
- 4 pieces: Always all four wheels, never mix with summer tires
- Tire pressure: 0.2 bar higher due to shrinkage in the cold
- Snowflake symbol: Check for 3PMSF certification
No winter tires? All-season tires are an alternative in the Netherlands, but less effective in harsh winters.
3. Lighting Testing
In winter, it stays dark much longer. Working lights are vital and mandatory.
- Headlights (low beam and high beam)
- Taillights and brake lights
- Front and rear turn signals
- Fog lights (front and rear)
- License plate lighting
- Daytime running lights
Extra: Clean the lamps regularly – dirt reduces the light output by 50 percent.
4. Replacing Windshield Wipers
Old windshield wipers can stick or break in frost.
- Replace annually: Front and back
- Winter wipers: Special design prevents freezing
- Clean wipers: Alcohol removes dirt and grease
- Costs: €15-€40 per set, self-assembly
5. Check Coolant
Coolant prevents the engine from freezing – crucial in winter.
- Testing frost protection: Must be able to withstand at least -25°C
- Check level: Between MIN and MAX when engine is cold
- Refresh: Every 2-4 years according to manufacturer's recommendations
- Correct mixture: 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water
Warning: Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot – danger of burns!
6. Windshield Washer Fluid With Antifreeze
Normal windshield washer fluid freezes in frost.
- Winter fluid: Resistant to -20°C or colder
- Fill up completely: Pipes and sprinklers must also be full
- Rear window washer: Don't forget this
- Concentrate vs. ready-made: Concentrate is cheaper
7. Inspect Brakes
Good brakes are extra important on slippery winter roads.
- Brake pads: Minimum 3mm thickness
- Brake discs: No grooves or cracks
- Brake fluid: Level and condition (change every 2 years)
- Handbrake: Testing operation
Have this checked during your MOT inspection or maintenance.
8. Check engine oil
Cold oil thickens, which puts extra stress on starting.
- Check level: Between MIN and MAX on dipstick
- Correct viscosity: Low-viscosity winter oil (e.g. 5W-30)
- Refresh: For the winter at service
9. Protect Windows and Lock
Frozen windows and locks are annoying and time-consuming.
- Anti-freeze blanket: For windshield (€10-€25)
- Lock defroster: Spray against frozen locks
- Rubber strips: Treat with silicone spray
- Ice scraper and brush: Always in the car
10. Heating and Air Conditioning Testing
A working heating system is not a luxury but a necessity.
- Heating elements: Front and rear window defrosting
- Fan: Test all positions
- Using air conditioning: Also in winter to remove moisture
- Cabin filter: Replace for optimal airflow
11. Tire Tread Depth and Pressure
Even with winter tires, you should check the tread and pressure.
- Minimum profile: 4mm for winter tires (legally 1.6mm)
- Check voltage: Monthly, always with cold tires
- Wear pattern: Uneven wear indicates a problem
- Wheel balance: Let balance in case of vibrations
12. Replenish Emergency Equipment
Winter bad luck is common – be prepared.
- Jumper cables or jump starter
- Extra warm blankets
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Shovel (in snow)
- Sand or cat litter (for grip)
- First aid kit (check expiration date)
- Warning triangle and safety vest
- Roadside assistance phone number
13. Body and Chassis
Road salt is aggressive towards paint and metal.
- To wash: Regularly, especially chassis
- Waxing: Protective layer against salt and moisture
- Repairing stone chips: Prevents rust formation
- Treating the chassis: Extra protection with coating
14. Hoses and Belts
Rubber becomes brittle in the cold and can crack.
- Cooling hoses: Check for cracks and weak spots
- V-belt/multi-belt: Tension and condition
- Windshield wiper hoses: Check for leaks
15. Check Exhaust
A leaking exhaust is dangerous when stationary with the engine running.
- Visual inspection: Rust and holes
- Confirmation: Hanging exhaust
- Carbon monoxide danger: Never remain in a stationary car if there is a leak
When to Winterize Your Car?
The ideal time for a winter check:
- October: Before the first frost
- During maintenance: Combine with annual turn
- For long winter trips: Extra check during holidays
- At APK: Combine with MOT inspection
Winter Check Costs
At Faay Auto Group in Nieuwegein:
- Basic winter check: From €49.95 (15-point check)
- Mounting winter tires: From €25 (set of 4)
- Replace battery: From €75 including installation
- Winter package: Check + winter tires + battery test from €69.95
Do it yourself or go to the garage?
You Can Do This Yourself
- Top up windshield washer fluid
- Testing lighting
- Check tire pressure
- Replacing windshield wipers
- Replenish emergency equipment
- Car washing and waxing
Let the Garage Do It
- Battery testing and replacement
- Measure coolant frost protection
- Inspecting brakes
- Mounting and balancing winter tires
- Chassis treatment
- Complete 15-point check
Extra Winter Tips
Economical Driving in Winter
- Warm up the engine thoroughly before driving
- Smooth acceleration and braking
- Turn off electrical consumers when not needed
- Avoid shorter trips (battery load)
Safe Driving in Slippery Conditions
- Adjust speed to circumstances
- Keep more distance (3 second rule)
- Smooth movements with steering, throttle and brake
- In case of skidding: release the accelerator, do not brake, steer straight ahead
Freeing a Car From Ice
- Not: Hot water (windows break)
- Not: Letting the engine warm up without driving (prohibited and bad)
- Well: Defrosting spray or lukewarm water
- Well: Make sure the car is completely free of ice (including the roof and rear window)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I fit winter tires?
The rule of thumb is from October to April (O-to-O). Winter tires perform better than summer tires below 7 degrees Celsius, even on dry roads. Winter tires are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but they are strongly recommended.
How long can I warm up the engine?
In the Netherlands, it's illegal to let your engine warm up while idling. This is bad for the engine (wear and tear), the environment, and results in a €100 fine. Start the engine and drive off gently immediately – this will warm up the engine faster.
How much does a winter check at the garage cost?
A complete 15-point winter check costs €49.95 at Faay Auto Groep. This includes checking the battery, tires, lights, fluids, brakes, and all other important components. Any repairs are additional.
Can I use all-season tires all year round?
Yes, all-season tires are a compromise between summer and winter tires. They are suitable for the Dutch climate with mild winters. In extreme cold or snow, true winter tires perform better, while summer tires are more comfortable in the summer.
How do I prevent a flat battery in winter?
Prevent a flat battery by: regularly taking longer trips (30+ minutes), turning off electrical appliances when not needed, testing the battery preventatively, and replacing it when in doubt (especially if it's older than 4-5 years). If you don't drive much, use a trickle charger.
Does coolant need to be specially winterised?
Modern coolant always contains antifreeze and is suitable year-round. However, you should test the protection level – it must be able to withstand at least -25°C. Too little antifreeze and the engine can freeze, causing serious damage. Too much is also detrimental to cooling.
Why is my heating not working properly?
Possible causes: insufficient coolant, air in the system, faulty thermostat, clogged cabin filter, or a broken heater fan. Have this checked – good heating is essential for safety (fogging windows).
How often should I wash my car in winter?
Wash your car every two weeks during the winter, especially after periods of road salt. Don't forget the undercarriage – many car washes offer undercarriage wash programs. Salt is very aggressive and quickly causes rust if not removed.
What should I do in case of a breakdown in winter?
Pull over safely, place a warning triangle, put on a safety vest, and call roadside assistance. Stay in the car with the engine off (carbon monoxide hazard from a leaking exhaust). Keep extra warm blankets and a fully charged phone handy.
Are winter tires mandatory in the Netherlands?
No, winter tires are not legally required in the Netherlands. They are mandatory in many other European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, during winter conditions. Check the rules if you're traveling abroad – fines can be up to €750.
Winter Check Book at Faay Auto Group
Get your car ready for winter at Faay Auto Group in Nieuwegein:
- Complete 15-point check: From €49.95
- Fast service: Often ready immediately
- Experienced mechanics: RDW approved
- Transparent prices: Always request a quote first
- Winter tire service: Mounting, balancing, storage
- Free battery test: At every winter check
Book your winter check now:
- Call: 030 601 99 15
- Online: Book an appointment now
- Visit: Lageweide 271, 3439 LM Nieuwegein
Be prepared and drive safely this winter!
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