car after winter. Which items should be checked and which should be replaced?

Autumn and winter are the worst periods for car operation. Therefore, when the cold months pass, it is worth checking its technical condition and eliminating any defects.

Low temperatures in winter and frequent precipitation do not favor the operation of vehicles. Moisture seeps into every corner of the chassis, including the suspension, brake and exhaust systems. He also does not leave the bodywork and paintwork alone. The situation is aggravated by the fact that in winter, chemicals mixed with salt are used to clear roads of snow and ice. And salt in combination with water is an excellent environment for the corrosion of metal parts of a car.

“Caring for proper operation is not only about troubleshooting and repairing situations where something has already happened. These are, first of all, regular preventive measures, - says Radoslaw Jaskulski, an instructor at Skoda Auto Szkoła.

It is at this time of the year that it is good to visit all the places in the car that could experience the harsh conditions of winter operation.

The first step in inspecting a vehicle should be a thorough wash. It is best to perform this operation on a touchless car wash so that a strong jet of water reaches all the nooks and crannies in the wheel arches and in the chassis.

Now you can check what is under the chassis. An experienced driver is able to detect many malfunctions in the operation of the steering, brake system and suspension while driving. But not able to check the condition of the exhaust system or, finally, the chassis itself. This is due to difficulties, because in order to diagnose problems well, you need to look under the car. However, not every vehicle owner has such an opportunity. Then you need to go to the site.

Sites vary in opinion. Those related to authorized services have grown on stories of exorbitant prices for the services provided there. At the same time, prices in authorized services are often at the same level as in ordinary workshops. Some car manufacturers offer users a special service package for a certain period of time. During this period, the driver has the opportunity to service his car for a certain amount.

Such a service, among other things, Skoda. This is a post-warranty package - a program that allows you to extend the service of a new car for the next two years or until the specified mileage limit is reached - 60 km or 120 thousand km. A client who decides to use such a program chooses one of these options and pays a certain amount. According to the manufacturer, the post-warranty package is similar to the factory warranty, covers the entire car and has no cost restrictions. During the entire duration of the program, the buyer of a new Skoda has the right to free repair of vehicle defects resulting from its technical defects. During the term of the Post-Warranty Package program, the same defect recovery terms and conditions apply as under the terms of the basic two-year warranty. Importantly, the post-warranty package also includes free use of the support service.

– Identified deficiencies in the suspension system should be eliminated as soon as possible so that serious malfunctions, the repair of which requires a lot of money, do not turn into serious malfunctions, advises Radoslav Jaskulsky. This advice also applies to other components, especially the braking system, as safety is important here.

The level and quality of working fluids must also be checked during the post-winter vehicle inspection. The simplest operation is to check the oil level in the engine. In the case of coolant, we check not only its level, but also its density. During the winter months, when the liquid was subjected to large fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity, its boiling point could decrease. The same procedure must be followed for the brake fluid.

We also check the operation of the air conditioner. In winter, many drivers forget about its existence. Meanwhile, experts advise turning it on at least once a week for a minute during the cold season so that the compressor can replenish the lubricant. In spring, however, the climate must be ready for intensive use. Therefore, it is necessary to check the coolant level and, if necessary, make up for deficiencies. In this case, it is worth disinfecting the system. We will not do these things ourselves. Site visit required.

However, we can protect rubber body parts, such as door seals, on our own. In winter, they are protected from frost so that they do not freeze. To care for rubber, silicone or glycerin preparations are used. Use the same measures to lubricate the seals in the spring. They stay flexible longer.

We also check the condition of the wiper blades. After the autumn-winter period, when they were often wiped with water and snow, they can already be used up.

You also need to check the lighting. It is possible that some bulbs are burned out or do not light for some other reason (for example, a short circuit in the installation).

Let's also look at the windshield washer reservoir. Dust and swarms of insects make it

high risk of staining the windshield. Meanwhile, using wipers on a dry windshield can quickly scratch your windshield.

“Let's take the automaker's recommendations seriously,” emphasizes Radosław Jaskulski from Skoda Auto Szkoła. – We will not save on oil, oil filters, fuel and air. Replace them according to the number of kilometers indicated in the manual or after the specified period of time.