The key facts

  • At temperatures below +5 °C, summer tires 'harden' and lose their grip properties
  • It is recommended to fill up with washer antifreeze, replace windshield wiper blades, and check the battery charge
  • The average bill for preparing a car for winter in September 2026 exceeded 40 thousand rubles, which is 6% higher than last year

Expert advice ahead of the frosts

Before the first frosts arrive, drivers should replace summer tires with winter ones, fill up with windshield washer antifreeze, and check the battery charge. Auto expert, member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs Igor Morzharetto told kp.ru about this. According to him, at temperatures below +5 °C, summer tires begin to 'harden', as a result of which their grip properties sharply decrease, and driving becomes dangerous even on a dry road.

Washer antifreeze and windshield wipers

The expert emphasized the importance of replacing the water in the washer reservoir with washer antifreeze: if you miss the 'flash' of frost, the liquid will freeze in the nozzles, and the driver will be left without the ability to wash the windshield, which is especially unpleasant in autumn, when there is more dirt. He also advised replacing windshield wiper blades before the start of each season, including summer, otherwise they may stop coping with their function and start smearing the glass.

Battery, seals, and body

In the cold season, the load on the battery increases due to prolonged use of the heater and driving with the headlights on, while the frost itself contributes to rapid discharge, so it is important to check its charge. Morzharetto also recommended treating the door and window seals with silicone sealant to increase resistance to moisture and extend their service life, and additionally check the body for small chips and scratches — in autumn and winter, such damage can rust under the influence of moisture and road reagents.

Cost of winter preparation

According to the analytical center Chek Index of the company Platform OFD, the average bill for a standard set of goods and services for preparing a car for winter in September 2026 in Russia exceeded 40 thousand rubles — 6% higher than last year's figure.