Safe driving in winter
In winter, road conditions change dramatically. Let's not underestimate this and prepare our car accordingly.
Let's not underestimate the elements of the car that provide us with indirect security. These will be, among other things: a cabin filter (an old and damp one will effectively prevent the glass from evaporating - prices vary depending on the car model), new wipers (we use them most often in the autumn-winter period, prices start from PLN 20). per set), ice scraper and brush.
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We will also think about installing new, better light bulbs, in winter we drive most of all after dark. We must also remember that a zipper de-icer will only work effectively when it is in our jacket pocket or briefcase, and not in the glove box inside the car.
In older cars, after the onset of frost, it often turns out that the internal heating is no longer as effective as it used to be. Often the culprit is a clogged or soured air heater, less often a faulty thermostat. However, regardless of the cause, this malfunction requires a visit to the workshop. On the site, you need to decide on a more serious review. Any backlash in the suspension, faulty shock absorbers and incorrect suspension geometry will affect the grip of our vehicle on slippery surfaces.
The imperfections of the car, which are somehow not particularly felt for us in summer conditions, will certainly have a direct impact on our safety on the road in winter. Make sure our mechanic checks the condition of the coolant for freezing temperatures. Water in the cooling system will definitely damage the engine in cold weather.
Winter is also a period when the engine of our car is often underheated, and the quality of the oil in it is very important. So if it wasn't replaced last year, or if a replacement is due in two months, for example, you should think about it now.
The cost of a general inspection of a car in most garages should not exceed PLN 50-80. The fee is usually not charged when the customer decides to correct any of the detected faults. We only bear the cost of replacing defective parts.
Winter is also a hard time for the battery in our car. Its current efficiency drops sharply as the temperature drops. If our car in the morning, at low temperatures, does not start as readily as before, we will go to any workshop to check the battery's performance, for example, by measuring the voltage drop when starting the engine.
The consultation was provided by Mateusz Kraszewski from the portal www.sport-technika.pl
Remember:
– Do not drive with an almost empty fuel tank. The water that collects at its bottom can then get into the fuel system much more easily, where it will then freeze.
– Check tire pressure. While it is correct at a temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius, in winter frosts the air will compress and it will definitely not be enough if we do not pump it up.
– Buy silicone for rubber seals (for example, around the door) and lock cleaner (graphite).
In this way, we will avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of doors and windows that cannot be opened.
Source: Wroclaw Newspaper.
