Winter Preparation: Tyre, Battery and Antifreeze Checklist

When autumn arrives, vehicle breakdown rates rise noticeably: batteries weaken in the cold, old tyres lose grip in rain, and rain and frost reduce visibility. A half-hour check before winter is much cheaper than waiting for hours at the roadside.

1. Tyres

When air temperature stays below 7 °C, winter tyres stop in 5-10 metres less than summer tyres. In Turkey, winter tyres are mandatory for commercial vehicles and buses between 1 December and 1 April; there is no obligation for private cars, but they are recommended for safety. Tread depth should be at least 4 mm, and the tyre's production date (DOT code) should be no more than six years old. Check pressure monthly and when the tyres are cold.

2. Battery

Battery capacity drops by about 20% at 0 °C and 40% at -10 °C. Have batteries older than three years load-tested. On hybrids the 12-volt auxiliary battery should also be checked.

3. Antifreeze and cooling system

The antifreeze ratio should give protection to -25 °C. Coolant level and hose condition are checked; the antifreeze change interval is stated in the owner's manual (usually five years).

4. Visibility and lighting

• Renew wiper blades and use winter screen wash
• Check headlight alignment and all lamps
• Fog lights and the rear fog lamp must work

5. Brakes and suspension

Pad thickness, disc condition and brake fluid (changed every two years) are checked. On wet and slippery surfaces, the braking system is the first link in safety.

6. In-car emergency kit

Keep a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope, jump leads, snow chains and an ice scraper. On long trips a charged power bank and a blanket also help.

Winter driving in hybrids

In the cold, hybrid battery efficiency falls, the share of electric driving drops and consumption can rise by 10-15%. Preferring mixed trips to very short ones, warming the cabin briefly before setting off and keeping tyre pressure correct limit this effect. The hybrid system health test is part of our winter service package.

When choosing winter tyres

On winter tyres look for the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) marking; tyres marked only M+S do not guarantee winter performance. All-season tyres are a practical compromise in mild regions like the Aegean and Marmara, but true winter tyres are recommended in eastern Anatolia and at altitude. Always fit them to all four wheels.

At Boran Otomotiv authorised service points, the winter service package completes 18 check points in about 90 minutes. With online booking you can be served without waiting in line.