car before winter

In order to avoid unpleasant surprises in this season, unloved by drivers, it is worth taking care of the proper preparation of the car for the winter season.

Cooler temperatures and frequent rain or snowfall are a clear sign that winter is coming.

The coming months are the most difficult period for drivers and our cars - the roads are wet, there is no shortage of dirt and salt sprinkled with asphalt. Cold temperatures, especially in the morning, mean that starting the engine is not always successful, frozen door locks make it difficult to get into the car, and the car's electrical system has to withstand much more stress than usual. Winter and late autumn is a time when driving is a much more difficult art than previously thought, and it's easy to slip, hit or get stuck in a snowdrift. Proper preparation of the car for the winter season will help us avoid most of these problems. the condition of the car requires a careful visual inspection. Visiting a car service is useful, especially since in the pre-winter period you can often use free service at authorized points.

You should also be aware of such little things as a glass scraper or a lock defroster, which make it extremely easy to use the car and which are often forgotten. If someone has more time, then a thorough cleaning and washing of the car, or even maintenance of the chassis, will also be useful. Here are some expert tips to help prepare your car for the unfavorable motorized months ahead. After such an inspection, our car should last until spring in good condition, and its operation should not cause any problems.

Systematic checks

Piotr Ponikovski, auto appraiser, owner of the Set-Serwis inspection point

- Preparing a car for the winter period is often associated with high costs for drivers. However, if the car was previously serviced frequently, and all checks were completed on time, then the preparation may come down to replacing tires with winter tires and topping up the windshield washer fluid.

Ventilation - The piercing cold in the car and misted windows make driving much more difficult, making it dangerous. The heating and ventilation system must quickly and efficiently cope with the evaporation in the room.

battery – A low battery level at low ambient temperatures can cause serious starting problems. If the battery has been used for several years, especially when traveling short distances, it is worth buying a new one. The Nice class is available for only one hundred PLN.

Coolant – in difficult road conditions, the engine is subjected to additional loads and elevated temperatures. So let's take an interest in coolant - can it be used at low temperatures. It should also be remembered that the substances used to cool the engine retain their optimal properties for about two years. If the fluid in our car is old, it should be replaced. We will check the tightness of the entire cooling system and test the operation of the radiator fan.

Hamulce – In winter, the braking distance is doubled on wet surfaces. More efficient braking will provide serviceable discs and pads. We will also check the amount of brake fluid - fill in the gaps or replace the fluid if it has been used for a long time. It would also be useful to check the braking carried out on specialized equipment in the service.

Windshield wipers and washer fluid – Check if the rubber bands are damaged and if the wiper motor is working properly. Top up the washer fluid level, checking the label on the package to make sure the product is designed for severe frosts.

Steering - check for excessive play on the steering wheel, it is also good to check the geometry of the wheels and if the car pulls in one direction while driving.

Winter tires – made of appropriate mixtures of rubber and silicone, retain optimal properties at low temperatures, so that the car gains better grip and is less prone to skidding.