Driver against nature, or how to prepare a car for winter
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Driver against nature, or how to prepare a car for winter

Driver against nature, or how to prepare a car for winter Changeable weather, temperature fluctuations, high humidity, rapidly gathering darkness and salt that destroys the paint on the roads are a test for every driver and his car. Find out what not to miss if you don't want to hear that this year's winter has again surprised… drivers.

Q: When should I start doing this? we answer with another question: You haven't done it yet?! In other words - no Driver against nature, or how to prepare a car for winterwhat to expect. When the first snow has fallen and the temperature number is minus, it's time to take matters into your own hands and spend some time doing a few simple things around your car.

Winter tires, or what is best for road bells

Although our fathers and grandfathers reportedly used the same tires all year round, the Internet and diapers were still unknown at that time, so they cannot inspire confidence in this matter. Dozens of tests have proven that winter tires prepared specifically for this season of the year provide more comfort and safety. They differ from summer ones in the structure of the tread and the softness of the rubber compound. When buying new tires, it is worth checking that these are not old "rubbers" that are stored for a long time - the maximum shelf life (vertically and with a change of fulcrum every 6 months) is 3 years. However, the maximum tire life (both in use and in storage) is 10 years. Winter tires should be fitted when daytime temperatures drop below 7°C.

Brakes should always be in place, but we should check them carefully before winter.

In winter, it is much more difficult to stop a speeding car, we press the brake pedal much more often than in summer. Therefore, the wear of elements such as brake discs and pads should not be underestimated. It is also worth asking the service provider to measure the water content in the brake fluid and, if it exceeds the norm, be sure to replace it with a new one. Otherwise, even the most modern electronic anti-skid systems may not be a sufficient alibi.

Rugs and lights, so it's good to have a clear perspective in front of you

Daylight hours are shorter in winter, and the snow and water that often hit the roads make it hard to see. We can't add our brick to this by using old, leaky rugs. The cost of replacing them is low, and the comfort offered by the new ones will be noticed by every driver. You also need to remember about the liquid - there will not be enough water with Ludwik for the winter. Such a preparation will freeze, damaging the tank. Here you need a liquid with high frost resistance (up to -22ºC).

The shorter day also means that efficient and effective lighting is even more important than in summer. A burnt out light bulb - in addition to the risk of a fine - is a safety hazard, unless someone is comfortable saying: it's dark, I see darkness.

Battery, that is, the power must be there

Regardless of whether you approach the car with soul or mind, you will certainly want him to smoke in the morning. You should give it a shot by checking the electrolyte level in the battery and the condition of the terminals. Loose or dirty, they may not obey, even if there were no problems with this in the summer. It is worth asking the serviceman to check the starter or ignition system - in winter they should be flawless.

Oil seals, i.e. do not lubricate, do not drive

The problem sometimes appears even before the shot. The person pulling the doorknob doesn't have to be a thief—probably the owner who forgot to lubricate the gaskets with Vaseline or some other antifreeze agent. A defroster on a car shelf is also not the best solution - it is better to have it with you.

Information, that is, the end of the language for the tour guide

On further trips in autumn and winter (especially during long weekends or holidays) it doesn't hurt to check what conditions can be expected of us wherever we go. It is worth checking the weather forecast to make sure that there are no unfinished repairs and detours on our route and there are no changes in traffic organization due to holidays. Local portals and radio stations (usually also available on the Internet), as well as the websites of the General Directorate of National Roads and Highways and the police, are excellent sources of such knowledge. Smartphone apps with weather reports and traffic alerts are also getting better and more accessible.

Assistance insurance, i.e. wise Pole from damage

Winter is a testing time for drivers and their cars. It happens that even if we carefully review all the risky moments, it may happen that our car will lose in the winter. Starting problems, frozen fuel or slight bumps are patterns that have always been and will be characteristic of this time of year. In such situations, assistance insurance can be a lifesaver. Virtually 100% of new cars and more and more used cars have them. Drivers are increasingly choosing to spend a few dozen zlotys and purchase assistance insurance that will be tailored to how they use the car. – During last winter, according to our statistics, drivers most often asked for help in case of a car breakdown (62% of requests) and an accident (35%). The most popular technical assistance services that winter were evacuation (51% of cases), the use of a replacement vehicle and on-site repairs (24% each). – Agnieszka Walczak, Board Member of Mondial Assistance.

Source and data: Mondial Assistance.

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