A winter service at a garage includes a comprehensive check of all components that are important for safe driving in winter. This involves checking the battery, lighting, windshield wipers, coolant, tires, brakes, and the heating system. The goal is to make your car winter-ready, so you can get through the cold months without worries.
What exactly is checked during a winter service?
A winter service includes a check of all components that are put under extra stress during the cold months. The garage tests the battery, checks lighting and windshield wipers, measures the coolant, inspects tires and brakes, and tests the heating system. This check ensures that your car remains reliable in low temperatures.
The battery tops the list, because cold batteries have less capacity. A weakened battery that still works in summer can suddenly fail in freezing temperatures. The garage tests the voltage and charging capacity to prevent you from being stranded with a dead battery.
Your lighting becomes extra important as the days get shorter. All lights are checked: headlights, taillights, turn signals, and fog lights. Broken lighting is not only dangerous, but also results in a failed MOT inspection.
Windshield wipers and washers take a beating in rain, snow, and sleet. Worn wipers smear instead of clean, creating dangerous situations. The garage checks the rubber blades and tests the washer system.
The coolant prevents your engine from freezing. Too little antifreeze can lead to frozen pipes and costly engine damage. The mixture is checked for the correct ratio to provide protection down to at least -13°F.
When is the best time to have your car winterized?
The best time for a winter service is September or early October, before the first frost arrives. If you wait until November, you risk garages being fully booked and having to wait longer for an appointment. Early planning saves you stress and ensures your car is ready on time.
Many motorists wait until the first cold weather before thinking about winter tires. This creates a rush at garages and you may have to wait weeks. By making your appointment in September, you have plenty of choice in time slots and don’t have to wait in line.
If you wait too long, you risk problems occurring at the worst possible moment. A dead battery on a cold morning or broken wipers during a rainstorm are situations you can easily prevent.
Early planning is also financially wise. Some garages offer early booking discounts for winter services in September. You also spread the costs better throughout the year, instead of having all car expenses in winter.
What does a winter service cost on average at a garage?
A winter service costs on average between 75 and 150 euros, depending on what is checked and whether parts need to be replaced. A basic check of all winter systems costs around 75 euros. If parts need to be replaced, such as wipers or the battery, material costs are added.
The costs are influenced by various factors. An independent garage often charges lower hourly rates than brand dealers, but the quality of the check can be the same. Professional maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive if you choose the right garage.
For your money, you get a complete check of all winter systems, advice on any repairs, and the assurance that your car is reliable during the cold months. Many garages also provide a checklist of what was checked.
| Service | Average costs | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic check | €75-100 | Check of all winter systems |
| Comprehensive winter service | €100-150 | Check plus replacement of small parts |
| Winter tire change | €25-40 | Tire change and balancing |
Can you do a winter check yourself or do you always need a garage?
You can do a basic check yourself of visible components, such as lighting, wipers, and tire pressure. For technical checks of battery, coolant, and brakes, you need professional equipment and knowledge. A combination of self-checking and professional winter service gives the best assurance.
What you can check yourself:
- Test all lighting by turning lights on and off
- Check wipers for cracks or hard rubber
- Measure tire pressure at a gas station
- Check winter tire tread (minimum 4 mm)
- Top up windshield washer fluid with antifreeze
What requires professional checking:
- Measure battery voltage and charging capacity
- Test coolant for antifreeze percentage
- Check brakes for wear and function
- Test heating system performance
- Check exhaust for leaks or rust
By checking the basics yourself monthly, you prevent small problems from growing into major repairs. However, a professional winter service remains necessary for a complete check of all systems.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with winter services
We perform complete winter services for all car brands, with special expertise in Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën. Our winter check covers all important components that ensure your car remains reliable during the cold months. You get transparent prices and honest advice about what is and isn’t necessary.
Our winter service includes:
- Complete battery test with digital measuring equipment
- Check of all lighting, including fog lights
- Inspection of wipers and washer system
- Test coolant for antifreeze percentage
- Tire check, including tread and pressure
- Brake check for safe braking on slippery roads
- Test of the heating system
As a Tyres-on specialist, we also advise you on the right winter tires for your driving style and car. We explain why certain parts need to be replaced and always give you a choice of different solutions.
Want to have your car winterized or have questions about maintenance? Feel free to contact us or visit us in Veldhoven.
Read more about our history or contact us for an appointment. Autobedrijven Verdonk also performs maintenance and repairs for all other car brands.