5-Step Vehicle Check: How to Prepare for Autumn & Winter
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, your vehicle faces tougher conditions than it does in summer. Rain, frost, and darkness put extra strain on your car or van—especially if you’re a Lalamove delivery partner and rely on your vehicle for your income. To keep your deliveries running smoothly during the colder months, it’s essential to prepare your vehicle for autumn and winter well in advance. With a few simple checks, you’ll stay safe, mobile, and ready for every job.
1. Check Your Battery
Cold weather reduces battery performance, and with the increased use of heating, headlights, and wipers, your battery works even harder. If your engine struggles to start in the morning or your battery is over five years old, get it tested or replaced to avoid unpleasant surprises on freezing mornings.
2. Change to Winter Tyres in Time
Without the right tyres, you risk longer braking distances and reduced traction. As a rule of thumb, remember “O to O” – from October to Ostern (Easter), your vehicle should be fitted with winter tyres. Thanks to their special rubber compound and deeper tread, they provide better grip on wet or icy roads. Replace your tyres after around six years, as the rubber hardens and loses flexibility, reducing traction. If you’re driving long distances as a Lalamove delivery partner, all-season tyres with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) can also be a good choice.
Good to know: While there’s no general winter tyre mandate in Germany, winter tyres are required in icy or snowy conditions under Section 2 (3a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). Driving without them can result in fines and penalty points in Flensburg.
3. Top Up Fluids and Add Antifreeze
Before temperatures hit 0°C, check and top up all essential vehicle fluids. Make sure your coolant and windscreen washer fluid contain adequate antifreeze to prevent damage to the engine, nozzles, and washer system. Cold-resistant engine oil helps reduce wear and ensures smooth performance in low temperatures. Also check the brake fluid regularly, as it absorbs moisture over time, which can cause damage in freezing conditions.
4. Check the Brakes
If your daily routes involve stop-and-go traffic, multiple delivery stops and city traffic, your brakes take a lot of strain. In autumn and winter, moisture and cold add extra stress. Use the seasonal change as a reminder to get your braking system checked. Unusual noises, vibrations, or a spongy brake pedal are clear warning signs. If the brake pedal feels soft and can be pressed all the way to the floor, there may be air in the system. In this case, you should bleed the brakes.
5. Check Lights & Wiper Blades
Check all your lights: headlights, indicators, brake lights, rear and fog lights. Only when everything works properly and is correctly aligned will you remain visible to others without dazzling them. Your windscreen wipers also deserve attention: if they smear, squeak, or leave streaks, it’s time to replace the wiper blades. Make sure the wiper arms are properly adjusted too.
Practical Tips for Couriers
As an independent driver, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected situations. Keep a small winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Windscreen and lock de-icer
- Warm blanket and waterproof gloves
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Jump leads
- Windscreen cover
A Well-Maintained Vehicle Is Your Most Important Work Tool
By checking your battery, tyres, brakes and fluids in advance, you’ll save yourself expensive repairs and unplanned downtime. Take a bit of time now to prepare your vehicle for winter, and you can focus on what really matters: completing your Lalamove deliveries safely and reliably.
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