Ice, caustic reagents and frost are only a part of the tests that fall to the lot of drivers and cars every year. Getting through the difficult period will be easier if you prepare your vehicles for the challenging weather conditions in advance. It is better to do it now, before prices for services soar even higher, and there are no lines at service stations. We have prepared a selection of tips to help you not to miss anything.
The Battery
When it’s cold, the load on the car battery increases. The battery discharges faster and charges much slower than in warm weather. In extreme cold, even serviceable units may refuse to work. Batteries with five or more years of service are especially vulnerable. If you are going to drive your car in winter often, it is better not to tempt fate, and replace the battery. Well, or at least keep a new one on hand.
Be sure to check the terminals and the electrolyte
If the battery has been purchased and delivered recently, still do not be lazy and inspect it. Dirt may have already accumulated on it. Before it hardens, it can easily be cleaned with a baking soda solution.
Cooling System
Check the condition of the thermostat valve is especially important. If it is jammed or poorly closed, the coolant will leak into the radiator, and then you will have to warm up the engine for a long time.
In addition, it will affect the operation of the heater. It will warm up badly, and therefore it will be very uncomfortable to sit in the cabin. Plus the fuel consumption will increase.
You can check the cooling system at a service station or on your own. For example, with an ELM 327 scanner, which can be connected to the diagnostic program on your smartphone.
Non-freezing fluid
Summer fluid can turn to ice even at zero temperature. If it is not changed in time, the first frosts will bring an unpleasant surprise. You will have to warm up a tank and suffer with ice in pipes.
To avoid such a thing, change the antifreeze in advance, before the cold weather. To do this you will have to drain the old water and pour in new one. Remember you should not mix water and technical liquid, as it is impossible to predict the temperature of freezing of such mixture.
At the same time, you should check the condition of the wiper blades and replace them, if necessary. It is definitely not worth saving on this consumable, since the road visibility largely depends on the work of the brushes. And visibility in winter time is mostly bad.
A great solution to the problem – to put a winter version of wipers. The brushes are equipped with a special cover that protects them from icing.
Rubber
Before reinstalling the car, check the condition of the winter tires. Pay attention to the depth of tread, the presence of spikes. There should be no cuts, cracks or hernias on tires. If you do not like the condition of the rubber, or the period of operation has exceeded six years, it is better to buy new “shoes”. After replacement, do not forget to do wheel balancing.
Headlights
In winter, the quality of light depends on the quality of the road safety. Light sources a priori must be serviceable. And also it will not hurt to put on fog lights. Or adjust the existing ones so that the light spot illuminates the space in 20-25 meters from the car.
Brake pads
Braking system must be in good condition. If your pads are a cause for concern, it’s better to insure and replace them, without waiting until the expiration date. It is also necessary to check the discs and collars of brake cylinders.
Spark plugs
Even if they have not expired, it is better to replace them with a new set. You can not throw out the old one, but use it in warmer weather.
It won’t hurt to check the air filter as well. If you often drove out of town or on country roads in summer, it’s probably clogged with dust. In winter the load on it will increase, plus the particles of de-icing reagents will be added.
Body
This is the most expensive part of the car, so it makes sense to protect the body from corrosion and chemicals. It is better to start before severe frosts to have time to repair all detected cracks or chips, and to properly dry it. Otherwise, the salt, chemicals, and melted snow on the surface will cause corrosion.
Well, if the body is in order, then in anticipation of winter it will not hurt. The service package includes deep cleaning, polishing and application of special compositions.
In addition, it won’t hurt to replace automobile textile mats with rubber ones. They will retain on the surface of the dirt from snow, sand, and reagents. Thus, preventing your car from damaging.
Locks and windows
Experts advise covering the locks with silicone grease, which can withstand low temperatures, before the onset of cold weather. It will help to avoid problems at the most inappropriate moment.
It is necessary to take care about glasses. Coat them with special hydrophobic composition to prevent dirt and snow from sticking to the surface.