Winter car. What should be checked in advance?

Winter every year surprises drivers and road builders. Therefore, it is worth preparing the car in advance for the arrival of frost, snow and slush. We advise what to pay attention to in order to survive the car winter.

Problems with the morning start of a cold engine, wipers frozen to the windshield are the first symptoms of the approaching winter. It was then that many drivers remember that it might be worth doing something so that the car does not cause trouble during winter operation.

Winter tires are the basis of grip

Every driver knows that winter tires should be used in winter. Unfortunately, many of them forget that winter is not only a snow-white landscape, but also a low ambient temperature. Therefore, we put on winter tires when the average daily air temperature remains below +7 degrees Celsius. This is very important as the rubber mix used to make tires contains more natural rubbers and vegetable oil additives. As a result, the winter tire remains more flexible at low temperatures, even when the thermometers show -20 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, summer tires become noticeably stiffer and have an increased tendency to slip. Is it dangerous! Also, do not forget that the tread structure of a winter tire is more aggressive and therefore provides better grip on snow, ice and slush. So do not wait for the first snow to appear before changing tires.

Working battery

If the battery in our car has obvious problems with starting the engine at low temperatures, it is necessary to check the charge level. An efficient battery at temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius loses even 20% of its efficiency. Therefore, if it is not fully aspirated, there is a risk that it will not be able to meet the demands of a cold engine. Remember that in cold weather, the oil in the engine and gearbox thickens and therefore more power is required to start. Battery efficiency should be checked with a load or an electronic meter. If we do not have such a device, you can transfer the service to a car repair shop. The rest voltage at the terminals of a healthy battery should indicate a value of 12,5–12,7 V, and the charging capacity should be in the range of 13,9–14,4 V. If the measurement reveals that the values ​​are lower, charge the battery. battery with a suitable charger.

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Windshield wipers provide visibility

In winter, the effectiveness of the wipers plays a big role. Difficult weather conditions make the windshield of a car almost constantly dirty. Especially when there is slush on the road, which shoots at high speed from under the wheels of the car in front. What matters is the quick response and effective wipers that instantly remove dirt from the glass surface. Therefore, it is worth checking the condition of the wiper blades and, if necessary, replacing them with new ones. Worn-out wipers can sloppily drain water and smear debris on the glass surface, reducing visibilitytab.

Winter washer fluid

To work properly, wipers require a fluid to help clean the glass surface. Before the onset of frost, do not forget to replace the fluid with a winter one. As with tires, you can't wait until the last minute. In summer, the windshield washer fluid freezes at 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if the temperature is below freezing for many weeks, the washer system will remain clogged. Alcohol-based winter washer fluid has a low freezing point, down to -60 degrees Celsius (Arctic fluid), and is safe for the system.

Necessary accessories in the car

Before the onset of winter, it is worth acquiring several accessories that will certainly facilitate the use of the car in conditions of low temperatures. One of them is a windshield de-icer and an ice scraper - necessary when a layer of ice appears on the glass. No less useful will be a lock defroster, which allows you to open the door in an emergency if the lock freezes. If you're parking outdoors, a snow shovel will definitely come in handy, as it will make it easier to remove snow from a buried parking space. If you live or drive in mountainous areas, you may need snow chains to provide traction on snowy hills. Remember that on some roads it is mandatory to use a car equipped with chains.