How do I prepare my car for winter in Georgia?

Which tyres should you prepare for winter?

Prepare your tyres by checking their condition and choosing a type suitable for the winter journeys you actually make. Look for uneven wear, cuts, cracking and bulges, and have questionable damage assessed before travelling. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, using the vehicle’s tyre label or owner’s manual rather than a generic online figure. A tyre that repeatedly loses pressure needs investigation; topping it up is not a repair.

Your plans matter as much as your usual address. Driving around Tbilisi does not create the same demands as travelling to mountain areas, and a journey can include both. Ask a tyre shop whether your current tyres suit the conditions you expect, including cold, wet roads and possible snow or ice. If you have a second set, have its condition and fitment checked before installation. Arrange the appointment before a cold forecast makes the decision urgent.

• Check tread condition and look for damage across each tyre.
• Confirm the correct pressure from the vehicle label or manual.
• Tell the shop where you expect to drive, not just where you live.
• Check your spare tyre or the condition of your puncture-repair equipment.

How do you know whether the battery is ready?

A battery and charging-system test is the practical way to assess winter starting readiness, especially if starting has become slow or unreliable. Cold conditions can expose a battery that already has little reserve, but the battery is not the only possible cause of starting trouble. Tell the shop whether the engine turns slowly, whether you hear clicking, or whether the problem follows a period when the car has been parked.

Short journeys and repeated starts in Tbilisi traffic can make charging habits worth discussing with the shop. Do not assume a battery needs replacement solely because winter is approaching, and do not assume a successful start proves it is healthy. Ask for the test findings and whether the charging system or an electrical drain needs further attention. On cars with stop-start systems or other specific battery requirements, replacement and any setup should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

What should you check in the cooling system?

Check coolant level, condition and freeze protection using the procedure and coolant specification for your car. Only inspect the reservoir as directed in the owner’s manual, and never open a hot cooling system. The liquid’s colour alone does not establish that it is the correct coolant or that its protection is adequate. A shop can test its strength and assess whether the system needs maintenance before freezing weather arrives.

A falling coolant level, visible leak or unstable engine temperature needs diagnosis rather than repeated topping up. Imported used cars may have an uncertain maintenance history, so ask the shop to establish what is in the system instead of assuming a previous owner used the correct product. If your car has an LPG/CNG conversion, mention it when booking: the technician should know about modifications when assessing the cooling system. Do not mix products or dilute coolant by guesswork.

How do you keep the windscreen clear?

Prepare for clear winter visibility with suitable washer fluid, effective wiper blades and a working demisting system. Check that the washers spray properly and the blades clear the glass without persistent smearing or missed areas. Choose washer fluid with cold-weather protection appropriate to your expected conditions, following the product instructions and the vehicle manual. Plain water in the reservoir is not a dependable winter substitute, and adding winter fluid may leave an unsuitable mixture if the reservoir still contains summer fluid.

Clean the windscreen inside as well as outside, because interior film makes glare and misting more troublesome. Before setting off, clear frost and snow from the glass and make sure frozen wiper blades are released safely rather than forcing them to move. Avoid pouring hot water onto cold glass. If the windscreen keeps misting, the airflow is weak or you notice a persistent damp smell, ask a shop to check the cause instead of relying on repeated wiping.

Which lights and other controls need checking?

Check all exterior lights and make sure the heating, demisting and warning systems work before winter driving. Walk around the car with the lights on, and use another person or a safe reflection to check the brake lights. Clean dirty lenses and look for damage or moisture that needs attention. If a light fails, use the correct replacement or ask a shop; some lighting systems are not suitable for a straightforward roadside bulb change.

Headlamp aim matters as well as whether a lamp illuminates, particularly if you struggle to see or other drivers appear dazzled. Ask a shop to check it rather than adjusting it by guesswork. Winter preparation is also a useful time to report pulling, vibration, unusual braking noises or a warning light. A periodic technical inspection is not a substitute for investigating a new fault, and passing an earlier inspection does not establish the car’s condition today.

• Check dipped and main beams, indicators and hazard lights.
• Check brake lights, rear lights and number-plate illumination.
• Test the front demister and rear-window heating.
• Report persistent dashboard warnings and changes in braking.

When should you book a shop before winter?

Book a shop before cold weather if you need tyre work, fluid testing or diagnosis, and seek help promptly for faults affecting safe driving. You can inspect visible tyre damage, test lights and notice poor wiping yourself, but battery performance and coolant protection benefit from proper testing. If you see a serious leak, overheating or a significant braking problem, stop using the car until you have advice on whether it is safe to drive.

Send the shop a clear description of symptoms, your car’s details and your planned winter routes. Mention uncertain service history, recent repairs and any LPG/CNG conversion. On Junto, you can find services at junto.ge/services by service, price, place and the next free time, then request an online booking for the shop to confirm. Shops can send suggested work by SMS for your approval, allowing you to review each line and its price before work starts.

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