Preparing your car for winter: what to check first

Updated 21 October 2026 · Autoservis 1

Start with a short checklist

• Tyres: condition, tread, pressure and the seasonal set you intend to use.
• Starting: slow cranking, repeated flat batteries or a charging warning.
• Visibility: lights, wipers, washers and effective demisting.
• Fluids: the specified coolant and washer fluid, plus any unexplained loss.
• Known faults: changes in braking, steering or engine running.

Plan the appointment around your car, service history and regular journeys. A seasonal check is also a chance to discuss overdue maintenance; it does not mean replacing every item on this list.

Choose tyres for the journeys you make

Arrange fitting before the seasonal rush and mention whether the tyres are already mounted on a second set of rims. Read when to change to winter tyres for the Czech requirements and fitting prices, or compare all-season and winter tyres if you are choosing a set. New tyres can be sourced after the options and price have been agreed.

Battery condition and charging are different checks

Say whether starting is slow after overnight parking or the battery repeatedly goes flat. A new battery does not fix every charging problem. Our guides cover weak-battery symptoms, alternator symptoms and a battery going flat overnight.

Heating, lights and a clear view

Report weak heating, poor airflow or misting that keeps returning. They may need different checks. Use the guides to heating problems, fogging windows and wipers leaving streaks. Check the required lights and discuss poor headlight visibility; restoration is appropriate only where the lamp's condition allows it.

Use the right fluids and report unexplained loss

Use the coolant specification in the vehicle instructions rather than choosing by colour alone. Repeated topping-up is not a repair for an unexplained leak. Suitable winter washer fluid matters too. If pressure warnings appear after fitting wheels, see the tyre-pressure warning guide rather than automatically resetting the warning.

Agree priorities and the price before work

Bring available service records and note the mileage, unresolved symptoms and recent repairs. Tell us if you want tyre fitting at the same visit. There is no single winter-check package price here: we agree the checks and any extra work for your vehicle. A red warning, overheating, rapid fluid loss or significant braking change needs a safe stop and prompt assistance rather than waiting for a seasonal appointment.

Further technical reading

General references, not a diagnosis or price quote for your vehicle.

• ADAC winter preparation
• Workshop price list — scope and exclusions