Inspection of the car before the winter. Do it yourself!

Before winter, the most attention should be paid to the battery and ignition system. But you also need to check other nodes in the car. Otherwise, an attempt to hit the road on a frosty morning may end up calling a taxi or a tow truck.

“If the driver takes care of the most important moments of his car, then during snowfall and severe frost he will reward him with a trouble-free ride,” says Stanislav Plonka, an experienced mechanic.

Battery – also recharge a maintenance-free battery

In cold weather, one of the most loaded elements is the battery. In order for the battery to last all winter, it is necessary to check its condition before the start of the season. The density of the electrolyte is measured with an aerometer. The quiescent voltage is checked with a multimeter, and a special tester is used to determine the condition of the battery, which briefly takes a large current. The service life of today's batteries is estimated at 5-6 years.

Regardless of the type of battery (healthy or maintenance-free), it is recommended to charge it before winter. Instead of fast charging with maximum current values, mechanics recommend using long-term charging by setting the minimum charger parameters.

– New, maintenance-free batteries do not need to be topped up. But in the older ones it is necessary. Distilled water must be added in sufficient quantities to cover the lead plates in the cells, Plonka explains.

To be sure, clean the clamps and poles with fine sandpaper and wipe the case with a soft cloth. This will reduce the risk of a short circuit. Clamps can be additionally lubricated with a special preservative. The packaging of such a drug costs about 15-20 zł.

Alternator and Drive Belt - Check brush and belt tension.

The battery will not function properly if the vehicle's alternator, which is responsible for charging it, is damaged. This element also needs to be checked, especially the brushes. In winter, an old alternator drive belt can cause trouble. The mechanic checks its tension and checks for any visible damage. If it doesn’t play too much and doesn’t creak when the engine starts, then you don’t have to worry.

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High voltage cables and spark plugs - be aware of these

Second important components are high voltage cables and spark plugs. The older the car, the more likely it is to be punctured, which is easiest to detect by lifting the hood at night with the engine running. If there are sparks on the cables, this is a sign that they need to be replaced. The condition of the cables can also be checked with a tester that measures their electrical resistance. The risk of problems will be less in newer vehicles where current is supplied from the ignition dome almost directly to the spark plugs.

Coolant - inspection and replacement

The level and condition of the coolant also needs to be checked, especially if you have added water to it before. This can cause it to freeze more quickly, risking serious and costly damage to the radiator and engine head. In the workshop, the freezing point of the coolant is checked with a glycometer. It should not be higher than minus 35 degrees Celsius. Checking and replacing the fluid will cost no more than PLN 60. The cost of overhauling the head and replacing the radiator can turn into a much more serious expense. Before the onset of frost, you should also remember to replace the windshield washer fluid with a winter one. Summer liquid - if it freezes - can burst the tank.