How to Winterize Your Car for Trips to Northern Pakistan

Northern Pakistan's Winter Challenges

Mountain regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and KPK see temperatures well below freezing from November to March. Murree hits -10 degrees C, while Skardu can reach -20 degrees C. Standard Pakistani city setups are completely unprepared for these conditions.

Engine Oil for Cold Weather

Standard 10W-40 oil becomes thick as molasses at -15 degrees C.

• Murree/Nathia Gali (down to -10C): Use 5W-30 synthetic
• Hunza/Skardu (down to -20C): Use 0W-30 or 0W-20 fully synthetic
• Recommended: Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40, Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Edge 0W-40

Coolant

Most Pakistani cars run coolant at 30:70 ratio, protecting only to -12C. For mountain trips, mix at 50:50 — protects to -35C.

Battery

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity to 60% at -10C while the engine needs MORE power to start. Have battery tested before heading north.

Tyres for Mountain Roads

• All-season tyres: Michelin CrossClimate, Continental AllSeasonContact
• Tyre chains: Required on icy KKH sections — available in Gilgit bazaars for Rs 3,000–8,000

Essential Items to Pack

• Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• Tow rope and snow chains (above 2,000m)
• Warm blankets, torch, extra oil and coolant