Winters can be harsh on vehicles. When the temperature outside gets cold, the fluid in your car becomes thicker. This can cause your engine to become sluggish and make your vehicle difficult to drive. Cold temperatures can also affect the battery's ability to start the car. However, there are many ways of preparing your car for the winter. Keep reading to know more.

As the temperature drops during winters, the car's engine oil starts to thicken. Therefore, the time required for the engine to start is longer than usual. Warming up your engine slowly allows the highly viscous engine oil to loosen up and cover the entire engine for thorough lubrication. You can get the engine to warm up by letting it rev slowly for a few minutes. Warming up the engine also allows the windshield to defog.

Checking your tyres is crucial while you prepare your car for winter. Almost all vehicles today use tubeless tyres, i.e., they only contain air. Air expands with hotter temperatures and contracts with cold temperatures. Therefore, the tyre pressure decreases in winter, providing less braking force. Check your tyre pressure every time the temperature drops. Also, have a spare tyre in your car at all times.

You may need to add antifreeze or coolants in your car if you reside in areas where the temperature drops to zero or minus degrees. Antifreeze is a bright liquid mixed with the water in your car. It maintains the radiator's temperature and prevents the vehicle from freezing or overheating. If the radiator fails to function, it can cause the engine to overheat and stop working. Antifreeze also prevents rust formation on gaskets and other cooling components.

Batteries power a vehicle’s electrical components. Cold temperatures can impact car batteries, especially if they run on battery fluids. The fluids may freeze, requiring you to jump-start the vehicle. You can prepare your car in the winter by refilling the fluid. The average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years. Hence, replacing the battery from time to time is critical to avoid any unfortunate circumstances.

Fog is a common sight during winters and can reduce visibility while driving. Therefore, you must ensure that your car's lights and fog lamps are in working condition. Foglamps illuminate the road beneath the fog, allowing a safer driving environment. Moisture can seep into the headlamps as well. Weathering can cause the exterior of the glass to become hazy. You can keep your headlights clean with regular soap water.

Another essential thing to remember when preparing your car for winter is ensuring you have an active comprehensive car insurance policy. Besides being mandatory by law, car insurance covers you against third-party liabilities, vehicle damage or loss, accidental hospitalisation, etc. A comprehensive car insurance plan offers customisation facilities, reduces out-of-pocket expenses and protects you against legal and financial liabilities.