Although winter weather is not as extreme as it used to be, you should never neglect your car during the only real change of season of the year.
The tyres
Once again, this year the obligation to fit winter tyres or carry chains on-board came into force on most of the Italian road network on 15th November. All you need to do is to check that the tyre size corresponds to that stated on the vehicle registration certificate and remember that snow chains must be type-approved. Of course, tyre pressure is important considering that it tends to decrease naturally in winter. A classic example: a tyre inflated to 2 bars when the outside temperature is 20°C could drop to 1.8 bars at 0°C. That is why you should check pressure even more frequently in the winter, adding 0.2 bars to the values given in the owner's manual to compensate for the temperature effect.
The battery
Cold temperatures are particularly stressful for the battery, significantly accelerating its end of life, especially in older and worn specimens. It is a good idea to fit a new one at the first sign of failure. If you opt for a do-it-yourself approach, remember to dispose of the old battery at authorised centres. To be on the safe side, it is best to always have a set of cables in the car to help in case of a dead battery.
The lights
The headlights, indicators and tail lights should be checked before each trip. Their proper operation ensures safety, allowing greater visibility and avoiding heavy fines. A thorough check is a must, considering that in winter the hours of light decrease and the light clusters are the most used – so are the front and rear fog lights. Additionally, remember to clean the glass or plastic elements.
The wipers
The windscreen and rear window must always be clean to ensure maximum visibility, so the windscreen wipers need to be in perfect working order. A new kit is the best option if the rubber appears worn or can no longer clean properly. It is also essential to check the windscreen washer fluid level. The fluid must be resistant to low temperatures. Still about checking fluids, the engine oil level must be checked (not only in winter) as well as the cooling oil, which must contain at least 50% of antifreeze to ensure that it does not freeze up to 25°C outside.
The air conditioner
Windscreens and car windows fog up when the weather is particularly humid (or snowy). The quickest and most effective way to clear them is to switch on the air conditioning, setting it to warmer temperatures. The air conditioner removes moisture from the air, but to do so there must be the right level of refrigerant gas in the system and a recharge is needed if it fails.
Equipment in the boot
Some people are used to keeping a first aid kit in the car, which can be extremely useful both in the event of an accident and for minor injuries. A pair of gloves is also important to help with cold weather manoeuvres, starting with fitting chains. It also makes sense to have something (like a blanket, cardboard, a mat) to lay on the snow to insulate your knees if you have to kneel down to work on the wheels. If your spare tyre is under the floor, remember to check it and don't forget the tyre repair kit, which should always be kept efficient.
