Winter is coming, and this year, it’s expected to be a colder-than-usual one in NCR. Driven by developing La Niña conditions, NCR may experience lower temperatures, frequent cold waves, and dense fog spells.

As the chill sets in, your car will need as much care as you do.‘Winter-proofing your vehicles is an essential ritual’Aaditya Mishra, co-founder & chief growth officer at Luxorides, a luxury car rental company in NCR, says, “As we prepare for what’s expected to be one of the coldest winters in Delhi NCR, ensuring your car is winter-ready is more than just a maintenance step; it’s about preserving performance, comfort, and style.

We manage a fleet of high-end luxury vehicles; winter-proofing is an essential ritual.”

He suggests, “Modern luxury cars come equipped with advanced in-cabin technologies, such as heated seats, climate control systems, and adaptive defrosting, all designed to maintain comfort and visibility. However, technology alone isn’t enough. We recommend regular battery checks, as cold weather often weakens performance, and ensuring tyre pressure is optimal since it drops with temperature.

Protecting the exterior is equally crucial.

A good quality wax or ceramic coat acts as a shield against moisture, fog residue, and salt, which can corrode the car’s surface. Keeping the vehicle covered or parked indoors also prevents frost buildup on windshields and paint.”With lower temperatures, the air will be more polluted than usual, so it’s important to prepare your car for the season. Nikhil Chawla, a tech and auto expert, suggests, “Taking small steps will make winter driving safer, cleaner, and a lot more stress-free.

Start by using the right engine oil, checking coolant and oil levels, and installing a good cabin air filter to deal with the smog. Wash your car regularly to prevent pollution buildup, and make sure the headlights, fog lights, wipers, and tyres are all in good condition for safe driving in foggy weather.

If you drive an electric vehicle, remember that cold temperatures can reduce battery range. Pre-condition the car while it’s charging, park it indoors when possible, and keep the software updated to help the battery perform better.”

Tips to prepare your car for the upcoming winter seasonCheck and replace coolant – The coolant prevents the engine from freezing and helps maintain optimal temperatureTest the battery – Get the battery tested for charge and terminals cleaned. If it’s older than 3 years, consider a pre-winter check or replacementInspect wipers and washer fluid – Use windshield washer fluid with antifreeze properties instead of plain water. Replace worn-out wiper bladesCheck headlights and fog lamps – If your car doesn’t have fog lamps, consider installing a pair for safetyTyre health and pressure – Check and maintain recommended PSI levelsDefogger and heater check – Ensure the rear defogger and heater are functioning. Use the AC intermittently to remove internal condensation, especially on foggy morningsClean and protect exterior – Winter grime, road salt and pollution can dull the paint, apply wax