When to Change Tires

The guideline is not the date on the calendar and not the first snow, but the temperature. Winter tires should be installed when the average daily temperature steadily drops to approximately below seven degrees Celsius, since it is at this threshold that summer tires begin to harden and lose grip. For most regions of Ukraine, this moment comes in October or November. The main practical advice is not to wait for the first snow, since on that day queues form at all tire fitting stations, and prices increase.

About mandatory requirements. In Ukraine, there is no rule requiring drivers to switch to winter tires from a specific date, unlike a number of European countries. The Road Traffic Rules establish requirements for the condition of tires and the minimum tread depth, rather than their seasonal type.

This does not mean that winter tires are not needed, since the issue concerns braking distance and handling, not a fine. But claims about mandatory replacement from a specific date, which appear online every autumn, should be checked in the original source.

Which type to choose. Studded tires provide an advantage on ice and on uncleaned roads, meaning they are appropriate where winters are severe and roads are poorly maintained.

Non-studded European-type tires perform better on wet and clean asphalt, meaning in the city and on highways, and they are quieter.

Tread depth. For winter tires, a working guideline is considered to be at least four millimeters, since at a lower depth, winter properties deteriorate sharply, even if the tire has not formally worn down to the limit value.

Check the tire pressure, since it drops when the temperature decreases, and an underinflated tire holds the road worse.

Battery

Frost is the main test for a battery, since its capacity decreases in cold weather, while the engine simultaneously needs more current to start. If the battery is more than three to four years old, it is worth having it checked before the cold weather arrives, and at a service station this takes a few minutes. They check the electrolyte density, voltage under load, and the condition of the terminals. Clean the terminals from oxidation and check that they are securely fastened, since poor contact produces the same symptoms as a discharged battery. Also remember that short trips in winter do not have enough time to charge the battery, since starting, window heating, and lighting consume most of the energy. I wrote in a separate article about battery care in general and why cold temporarily reduces capacity.

Fluids

Antifreeze. They check not only the level, but also the freezing temperature, since the concentration changes over time. If you do not know exactly what has been filled into the system, it is safer to carry out a complete replacement according to the maintenance schedule.

Windshield washer fluid. This is the small thing that costs the most. Water or summer fluid freezes in the reservoir, and when you try to use the washer, the pump, nozzles, and lines suffer. The fluid should be replaced before the first frost, not afterward.

Engine oil. For a cold start, oil with a lower viscosity rating at low temperatures works better, and the specific type must meet the requirements of your vehicle manufacturer.

Brake fluid accumulates moisture over time, and this affects braking effectiveness, so its condition is also worth checking.

Visibility

Windshield wipers with layered or hardened rubber leave streaks, and in winter this is critical, since salt and road chemicals are added to the dirt. Check that the rear window and mirror heating works. Check all lamps, including parking lights and brake lights, since it gets dark early and the visibility of your car to others is no less important than your own visibility. Replace the cabin filter, since a clogged filter is a common cause of poor heating and windows fogging from the inside.

Small Things That Prevent Big Problems

Treat the rubber door seals with silicone lubricant, since otherwise they freeze, and when opening the doors, they tear. Treat the locks if you use them, and keep a de-icer with you. Check the body for small chips and scratches, since in winter salt turns them into corrosion points. Check the brakes, since a winter road does not forgive worn brake pads.

What to Keep in the Car in Winter

  1. An ice scraper and snow brush.
  2. A tow rope.
  3. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
  4. A shovel if you travel outside the city.
  5. A flashlight and spare batteries.
  6. A warm blanket, water, and something to eat in case of a long wait.
  7. A charged power bank, since a phone discharges faster in freezing temperatures, while the cigarette lighter works only when the engine is running.

What Is Important Specifically in Ukrainian Conditions

One thing is added to the usual list of winter preparation that is not found in foreign recommendations.

During power outages, some gas stations do not operate, since the pumps require electricity, and generators are not available everywhere. The practical rule is not to drive with the fuel tank below half full, since in the event of a prolonged outage, the ability to refuel may disappear for several hours, and combined with freezing temperatures, this is already a matter not of convenience. For the same reason, it is worth keeping your phone charged and having a power bank in the car, since


Sources

Publications by the Sudovo-Yuridychna Hazeta, vv.com.ua, Blik, and materials from automobile manufacturers