Get your car ready for winter: an 8-point checklist

The first frosty night always catches us a little off guard. Spend half an hour now and avoid a car that will not start, or windows you cannot keep clear.

1. Winter tyres

Switch when temperatures are regularly below 7 °C, usually in October. Since 1 July 2025, Danish law (Road Traffic Act § 67(3)) forbids driving on clearly unsuitable tyres in winter conditions. If there is snow, ice or slush on the road, your car needs winter tyres or all-season tyres marked M+S. In harsh winter conditions, tyres with the 3PMSF mark (a snowflake on a mountain) are recommended. The police assess each case, and the fine is DKK 1,000 per tyre. The Danish Road Safety Council recommends at least 3 mm of tread on winter tyres (the legal minimum is 1.6 mm).

2. The battery

Cold drains the battery, and it is the most common reason for winter breakdown call-outs. If your battery is more than 4-5 years old, or the car is slow to start, get it tested. A battery test takes five minutes.

3. Coolant with antifreeze

The coolant should handle at least -25 °C. We measure the antifreeze level with a refractometer in seconds. Too little protection can, in the worst case, crack the engine.

4. Screen wash

Fill up with screen wash containing antifreeze before the frost arrives. Plain water freezes in the reservoir and hoses.

5. Wiper blades

If the wipers streak or judder, replace them. In winter a clear view is extra important, because road salt and dirt quickly smear the windscreen.

6. Lights

It gets dark early. Walk around the car and check headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators. In Denmark you must drive with dipped headlights or daytime running lights at all times, and rear lights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced. Daytime running lights do not light up the road, so switch to dipped headlights in the dark, in snow and in fog. Faulty lights can mean a DKK 1,000 fine.

Clear snow and ice off the windows, mirrors and lights before you drive. Automatic lights do not always detect snow and slush.

7. Rubber seals and locks

Treat the rubber door seals with silicone so they do not freeze shut. Keep a small can of lock de-icer in your bag, not in the car.

8. Winter kit in the car

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Reflective vests for everyone in the car
• Warm clothes, gloves and a blanket
• A small shovel
• First aid kit
• Jump leads or a small jump starter
• A charged phone with your roadside assistance number

Keep the tank full or the battery charged when severe weather is forecast. If you get stuck in a snowdrift, the car must be able to keep you warm until help arrives.

Winter-ready in one visit

We offer a winter check together with your tyre change: battery test, antifreeze, wipers, lights and tyre pressure. All done in one go.