Automotive maintenance and safety recommendations for winter

Experts and organizations are providing guidance on vehicle safety and maintenance as temperatures drop. Key recommendations include ensuring first-aid kits are complete, valid, and meet legal standards, such as DIN 13164:2022.

For winter driving, the ADAC emphasizes the importance of tire maintenance. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, experts recommend at least 4 mm to prevent an abrupt loss of traction in wet or snowy conditions. Drivers should also monitor tire pressure, as it tends to decrease in cold weather, and inspect tires older than five to six years for signs of aging.

Additional seasonal checks include verifying that all vehicle lights and indicators are clean and functional. If bulbs are replaced, headlight alignment should be checked to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Maintenance advice applies to both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.