Preparing a Lada for winter: check tires, battery and fluids, and protect the body from corrosion

Two to three weeks before temperatures settle below +5°C, check your Lada’s winter tires and fluid levels. Engine oil thickens in freezing temperatures, so assess its condition in advance and check that its viscosity is suitable for cold weather.

When preparing a Lada for winter, clean and lubricate the battery terminals: the battery is crucial to starting the engine in freezing temperatures. On a serviceable battery, check the electrolyte, its density and the battery’s state of charge. Check the alternator and wiring at the same time, as charging problems may indicate faults in these components.

Before the first snow, wash your Lada’s body thoroughly, then inspect the paintwork for chips and scratches. Repair any damage before roads start being treated with deicing chemicals.

The sodium, calcium and magnesium chlorides used in deicing mixtures make metal corrode five to seven times faster. Even a small scratch can develop a rust spot that grows to the size of a coin over the winter.