Winter Car Maintenance

From November to April – a time for exciting holidays, winter wonders and relaxation. But during this period there may also be a need for frequent or long car trips. Statistically, winter is the busiest time of year for you and your vehicle, and since cars are our specialty, we wanted to share our best tips for driving in snowy weather.

What to remember and how to reduce the risk from frost?

In winter – the most important thing is to be sure the car is ready for the challenges of cold, snow and ice.

The most important elements to keep under control are the following:

If you have a manual transmission – check for any damage, your brake pads should be in optimal condition, and also ensure that the vehicle’s handling is smooth and free of artifacts. Also, remember that during winter you need to “fit” the car with winter tires.

It’s best to perform an analysis of all vehicle functions while still in the parking lot before each trip, rather than encountering a malfunction on the road when stopping is impossible.

Winter Driving

1. Ensure the fuel system is functional and that a windshield washing fluid is present.
2. Start the car and turn on the heating to melt or soften ice on the front and rear windshields.
3. Once your car has warmed up, clean the mirrors, headlights, rear lights, and license plate.
4. Clear your windshield of ice and wipe as much as you can before getting back into the car and using the wiper blades. Remember that hot water is not an option for your glass, as it can cause damage and even cracks.
5. Be sure to warm up the car and thoroughly wipe the windshield before activating the wipers. It may seem faster and easier to turn on the wipers, but this can irreparably damage the wiper blade components.
6. As soon as your windshields have defrosted, try to remove snow and ice around your wheels and beneath the front and rear bumpers to make your departure as smooth as possible.
7. Before starting, make sure the car is warmed up, there are no warning signals, and the engine “sounds” normal.
8. On the road, drive only with the headlights on.
9. Do not drive too fast so that you can stop in an emergency.
10. Try not to “tailgate”; a car in winter is unpredictable, so it’s better to keep a distance.
11. Be attentive in traffic jams and don’t rush.
12. If the car skids, do not panic; act decisively according to the situation and traffic rules.
13. Try to look as far ahead on the road as possible for any special situations.
14. Perform vehicle diagnostics as often as possible.
15. In emergencies, you should always have a working mobile phone and a first-aid kit.

Winter Driving Checklist

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is crucial for maintaining reliable vehicle handling, which is even more important in winter conditions. Avoid slipping on frozen roads by regularly checking tire pressure. From time to time, make sure the tire pressure meets the specifications for your vehicle model.

Battery Check

During the cold season, the battery should be checked regularly. When the temperature drops, the battery has to work harder due to increased use of the heater, defrosters, and windshield wiper blades. Battery failure is a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns in winter, so do everything possible to keep it in good condition and functioning. If a new battery is needed, especially during the winter period, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Replace the windshield wiper blades if you haven't already. It is expected that you change them at least once a year, and having a new set of wiper blades will be of great benefit during the cold period.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Reduced visibility due to ice on the glass is one of the most dangerous side effects of winter driving. Consider purchasing a special cleaning fluid. The formulas for these fluids are specially designed to prevent freezing on the windshield.

Filters

Replace dirty filters such as the air, fuel, and PCV filters. In the winter season, any malfunction in these components is felt more strongly.

Service

Be especially attentive during the winter period regarding your vehicle. In case of even the slightest changes in engine performance or other systems, a check should be performed to keep the car in good shape. Everything from your transmission to your battery and from your brakes to your exhaust should be inspected at least once per season and ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition to tackle snow drifts.

Vehicle Cover

Maintaining warmth in your vehicle can do a lot for its reliability. If possible, keep your car in a garage or invest in a vehicle cover. This will help prevent freezing of fluids, oil, gasoline, and coolant, and also protect the battery and starter from damage.

Antifreeze

Any automotive care specialist will tell you to always maintain the level of coolant or antifreeze. This should be part of a regular vehicle inspection, but make sure these fluids are always on hand during the winter period. Keeping extra antifreeze or coolant in your car is an excellent way to prepare for an emergency.

Lights

In the winter months the days are much shorter, meaning you will be driving in darkness more often. Ensure that all external lights are functional. If they are out, replace the bulb. The same applies if they are damaged or appear yellow. Additionally, always clear snow or ice from the headlights before a trip.

Extreme Situation Kit

Always be prepared for an emergency, regardless of the time of year. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, blanket, phone battery, radio, ice scraper, first‑aid kit, and jumper cables. If you lack any of the listed items, try to acquire them. The cost is modest, but in a need they can save lives.

Xenum Products for Winter Care

For engine oil (lubricant) we offer excellent products VRX 500 and CE 300.

VRX 500 – an additive created specifically for sporty and tuned cars. The combination of micro‑ceramics and esters creates a super‑strong protective film on the surface, ensuring the vehicle operates under demanding conditions
CE 300 – another revolutionary additive. Its micro‑ceramic particles are very powerful solid lubricants that reduce friction coefficient and perform best in harsh conditions.

For gasoline‑powered vehicles the following solution is ideal:

Petrol multi conditioner – a multifunctional gasoline additive that improves overall engine and system performance. It performs excellently in the cold season and will let you worry less about engine operation.

For diesel engines we also have excellent options:

X-treme winter – a next‑generation depressor additive. Improves diesel fuel flow at extremely low temperatures.

Nex 10

– Special diesel additive that makes fuel more efficient and clean. It significantly improves engine performance for lower fuel consumption, while also removing deposits from the exhaust system.

Diesel multi conditioner – Cleans and lubricates injectors and the fuel system. Increases the fuel’s cetane number. Protects the fuel system from corrosion. Protects the intake system and EGR valve from deposits.