Things You’ll Need in Your Car Before Winter Arrives

Don’t wait until you really need it!
Some of the items we mention in this article may seem redundant to keep in your car at all times. But that's before you’re stuck on the side of the road with your hazard lights on, and really wish you had them. After all, it’s better to have it, and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.

Switch to winter tyres in good time!

Switching to winter tyres is not only recommended, it is also the law in many countries when winter comes. Winter tyres have better grip on slippery and snowy roads, giving you increased safety and better handling. At Biltema you will find everything you need to change your tyres yourself – easily, quickly and inexpensively – and you can do it whenever it suits you, without having to m make an appointment with a workshop/tyre company. 

Guard against punctures with a ‘spare wheel in a can’

An ingenious tip is to keep a box of Tyre Fix in your car. If you get a puncture, Tyre Fix lets you repair and pump flat tyres without needing to remove the wheel. Also, make sure you have a spare tyre in good condition, along with tools to replace the wheels. 

Good grip on the situation

Chains are not a thing of the past. Sometimes, your car needs a little extra grip to get around, especially if you’re driving with non-studded tyres, which many of us do today.
However, chains are not the only option on icy roads. There are also spikes for car tyres, and they are made of nylon and designed for temperatures down to -35 °C. Or maybe you prefer an anti-slip mat that can give you that extra little grip you need to get loose. These can be used together if necessary.

Increased safety with good visibility

Anyone who has run out of washer fluid on slushy winter roads can attest that they wish they had a spare bottle in the car. Extra washer fluid should be kept in the car all year round, including winter. The same goes for a spare wiper or two. Keep in mind that the winter cold may require you to replace your wipers earlier than expected.

You must, of course, have a snow brush and ice scraper, and it’s practical to have both in one tool, such as our ice scraper with telescopic handle.

A visibility-enhancing spray like de-icer spray can help you keep windows and mirrors ice-free and can also be used on rubber trim. You can also use a pre-icer, which is used preventively. You spray the car windscreen when you expect frost, and the temporary coating absorbs moisture and prevents it from settling on the glass. 

Avoid a flat battery

When it comes to car batteries and cold weather, it’s wise to be well prepared. Keeping a jump starter or jumper cables in your car will give you a little more reassurance that you won’t be left on the side of the road without a spark of life. In the car, that is.

A jump starter can also be used to charge electronic equipment, such as mobile phones. This is very convenient, especially if you need to call for help but your phone’s battery is drained. And if you need a new battery for your car, we have one for you at Biltema.

Prevent locks and seals from freezing

Lock oil is a good preventive measure on cars where applicable. The same applies to lubricating the door seals with silicone. Otherwise, there is a risk the door seals can be ripped off, which is costly, inconvenient, and annoying. A draughty car is the last thing you want in winter.

With the items we’ve mentioned, you can feel safer on wintry Norwegian roads. Hopefully, you won’t need to use all of them, but as we stated at the beginning of the article: It is better to have it, and not need it, than vice versa.