Seasonal Maintenance — Israel Climate

Spring (March–May) — Post-Winter Check

Priority Tasks

1. Wash the car thoroughly including undercarriage — winter road grime and dust
2. Check wiper blades — winter use wears them; replace if streaking
3. Inspect tyres — winter potholes and road damage can cause alignment issues or sidewall damage
4. A/C system test — turn on and confirm it blows cold before summer hits
5. Check cabin/pollen filter — spring pollen is heavy; replace if overdue
6. Battery test — if the battery struggled in winter mornings, get it tested

Summer (June–September) — Heat Protection

Priority Tasks

1. Coolant level — check weekly; heat causes faster evaporation
2. Tyre pressure — check more frequently; heat increases tyre pressure, and under-inflated tyres are a blowout risk
3. A/C service if not blowing cold — re-gas and leak check
4. Battery health — extreme heat kills batteries faster than cold. If over 3 years old, consider replacing pre-emptively
5. Engine oil — may need topping up more often; monitor dipstick
6. Windscreen — repair any chips immediately; thermal stress from A/C vs exterior heat can crack them rapidly
7. Park in shade whenever possible; use a windscreen sun shade
8. Check tyre condition — hot roads accelerate tyre wear

Summer Essentials to Keep in the Car

• 1.5L water bottle (for drinking; replenish frequently)
• Windscreen sun shade
• Extra screen wash (evaporates fast)
• 1L coolant (for top-ups on long drives)

Autumn (October–November) — Pre-Winter Prep

Priority Tasks

1. Wiper blades — replace if worn; autumn is the start of the rainy season
2. Windscreen washer fluid — top up fully
3. Tyre tread check — ensure adequate depth (>2mm) for wet roads
4. Lights check — days get shorter; all lights must work
5. Brake inspection — ensure pads and discs are in good condition for wet braking
6. Check for rodent damage — mice and rats sometimes nest in engine bays during cooler months; look for chewed wires or insulation

Winter (December–February) — Wet Season

Priority Tasks

1. Tyre pressure — check bi-weekly; temperature drops reduce pressure
2. Headlights and fog lights — ensure they're clean and working
3. Windscreen demisting — test that the rear demister and A/C demist mode work properly
4. Battery — cold mornings stress batteries; if starting is sluggish, get tested
5. Wiper operation — ensure they clear effectively; replace if needed
6. Door seals — clean and check for leaks; silicone spray helps maintain them

If Driving to the Golan/Hermon (Snow)

• Chains or winter tyres are required by law when signs are posted
• Drive with extreme caution — most Israeli drivers have limited snow experience
• Clear all snow from the roof, bonnet, lights, and windows before driving
• Use a lower gear for descents; avoid sudden braking

Year-Round

Task	Frequency
Engine oil check	Weekly
Tyre pressure	Bi-weekly to monthly
Coolant level	Weekly in summer, monthly otherwise
Windscreen wash fluid	Monthly
Lights check	Monthly
Car wash (exterior)	As needed / bi-weekly
Interior clean	Monthly