Car service after winter

Winter is a difficult period after which we all need to recover and prepare for spring. We also can't forget our vehicles, which have stood the test of snow, frost, salt and mud. So how to make a car so that it brings us to a picnic without breakdowns, the expert advises.

The winter period negatively affects individual nodes and elements cars. Therefore, it is very important to carefully check the technical condition of the car when high spring temperatures occur and eliminate defects that can disable the car forever. One of the most seasonally sensitive vehicle systems is the cooling system.

Cooling system

“While the cooling system has been “resting” in winter, it will be subjected to high loads due to high temperatures and work at increased pressure in spring and summer. Its inspection should include checking the coolant level and the tightness of the rubber-to-metal joints,” says Adam Klimek from Motoricus.com. “There should also be a check on the thermostat opening temperature and the correct operation of the fan/fans that lower the coolant temperature in the radiator,” adds Klimek.

Another important procedure will be external salt-sand cleaning of the radiator, which is performed with a low-pressure water jet. This treatment will increase the cooling efficiency. The cost of checking the system does not exceed PLN 50.

Body fluids

All fluids used in automobiles naturally wear out, losing their properties. Often their quality has a significant impact on our safety, so let's check their condition before the new season. Summer windshield washer fluid, in addition to differences related to freezing point, has better cleaning properties than winter windshield washer fluid. It is devoid of alcohol, which quickly evaporates from the glass at higher temperatures, reducing its effectiveness.

Brake fluid must be tested for water content and boiling point. If it turns out that the water is more than 3% by volume, the fluid must be replaced. Its content in the brake fluid significantly reduces its boiling point, which, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of the entire brake system. The cost of such a check is approximately PLN 30.

Exhaust system

The control of the exhaust system mainly consists in checking its tightness. In the event of problems with the smooth operation of the engine and a decrease in its power, the catalyst is most often to blame. This is due to the fact that in spring and summer it operates at extremely high temperatures and in the event of partial blockage, the temperature of the engine rises. It is best to check the quality of the catalyst at a station equipped with a professional gas analyzer.

Cleanliness Matters

A clean car is not only a matter of aesthetics. It is not enough to wash the car body at an automatic car wash and vacuum the interior. Comprehensive washing of the chassis and body is very important. Detailed washing and copious rinsing of hard-to-reach places will remove the remnants of winter powder used on the roads. After washing the body, it should be degreased and dried. This is a good time to assess any paint damage. Every cavity must be protected.

“With this, you don’t need to run straight to the painter! The market offers varnishes for the so-called. correction, the cost of which does not exceed PLN 30. for the brush container,” says Adam Klimek of Motoricus.com. However, in case of damage to the primer layer, applying only varnish is not enough. Kits are available that include sandpaper or a mini brush to remove surface rust. Then we apply a degreasing preparation and immediately after it the base varnish and only after the “mortar” varnish has dried. The cost of such a set ranges from 45 to 90 zł. A simple operation to eliminate minor defects will save us from serious and costly repairs. Finally, body care should be completed with the use of the so-called hard wax, after which it will be more resistant to mechanical damage and the damaging effects of UV radiation.

Ventilation and air conditioning system

A well-functioning ventilation and cooling system keeps you comfortable during the warmer days ahead. At the same time, it should be remembered that a neglected air conditioner can also be very harmful to health, so its spring inspection is necessary. The cabin filter, which is responsible for cleaning the air from solid impurities, should be replaced once a year. In addition, active filters, the so-called. carbon fiber, are responsible for eliminating various odors from the outside.

A new product on the market is the salon ozonation service. Such a procedure  The cost is about 70 PLN, due to the strong oxidizing effect, it kills mold, fungi, mites, bacteria and viruses. When inspecting after winter, make sure that the patency of the condensate drain and air intakes is carefully checked, because the correct operation of the ventilation and air conditioning systems depends on this. If the vehicle is operated in a highly polluted environment, such as a large urban agglomeration, wilderness, or parking in close proximity to trees, the filters should be replaced and the channels should be cleaned twice a year; preferably in early spring and autumn. It should also be remembered that at least once every two years, the system should be cleaned of moisture and topped up with coolant to the required level. 

Changing tires for summer

An indicator of the date of replacement of tires for summer is the average daily air temperature, which fluctuates around 7 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting, however, that many drivers record the temperature at noon in the sun, not taking into account the fact that the morning in March or April can even be negative. Therefore, installing summer tires immediately after the snow melts and the first warm days appear is a very bad and dangerous practice. The cost of changing tires, depending on the diameter and type of wheel, ranges from PLN 80 to PLN 200.