Winter car. Mechanics debunk harmful winter myths

Before you go on a trip, it is better to warm up the engine, use alcohol instead of washer fluid, and when changing tires, it is better to put it on the drive axle. These are just a few original ideas for car care in winter. Are these methods effective? ProfiAuto Serwis mechanics have checked the most popular winter myths among drivers.

Myth 1 - Warm up the engine before driving

Many drivers still believe that in winter it is necessary to warm up the engine before driving. So they start the car and wait a few to a few minutes before setting off. During this time, they remove snow from the car or clean the windows. As it turned out, warming up the engine has absolutely no technical justification. However, from a legal point of view, this may lead to a mandate. In accordance with Art. 60 sec. 2 paragraph 2 of the Rules of the Road, the running engine is "a nuisance associated with excessive emission of exhaust gases into the environment or excessive noise" and even a fine of 300 zł.

- Warming up the engine before a trip is one of the most common myths among drivers. This practice is unfounded. They just don't do that, even with old cars. Some attribute warm-up to the need to get the optimum oil temperature for better engine performance. Not this way. We get to the right temperature faster while driving than when the engine is off and the engine is running at low speeds, although in extreme cold it is worth waiting a dozen or so seconds before starting before the oil spreads along the oil rail, says Adam Lenort. , ProfiAuto expert.

See also: Are new cars safe?

Myth 2 - Air conditioning only in hot weather

Another misconception still popular with some drivers is that air conditioning is forgotten during the winter months. Meanwhile, for the correct functioning of the entire system, the air conditioner must be activated in winter. You need to do this at least several times a month for a few minutes. The air conditioner in the winter months allows you to dry the air, thanks to which, among other things, the glass evaporates less, which translates into driving comfort and safety. In addition, along with the coolant, oil circulates in the system, which lubricates the system and has preservative and sealing properties.

However, if the air conditioner is not used for several months, it may stop working in the spring as the compressor will fail due to lack of lubrication. According to ProfiAuto Serwis mechanics, even every 5th car that arrives in their workshop after the winter requires intervention in this regard.

Myth 3 - Winter tires are put on the front wheels in the best condition

The condition of winter tires, especially on front-wheel drive vehicles, is very important. Tire quality affects both grip and stopping distance. This is why many front wheel drive drivers prefer to put tires in the best condition on the front wheels. Conversely, some tire experts say it's safer to put the best pair of tires on the rear wheels. According to them, understeer, that is, loss of traction with the front axle, is easier to control than sudden oversteer.

Most cars on our roads have a front drive axle that does more work than a rear axle, so drivers assume it must have better tires as well. This solution only works when braking and pulling away. Good tires on the rear wheels will stabilize cornering and reduce loss of control over the rear axle, over which the driver does not have direct control on the steering wheel. This solution is safer because we avoid oversteer, which is difficult to control.

- If there is something to pay attention to, then it is best that both the front and rear tires are in the same, good condition. Therefore, the front-rear tires should be replaced every year. If we already drive on winter tires, it is also worth checking the condition of the tread and the date of manufacture of the tire to make sure that in emergency situations we will avoid uncontrolled skidding, and the wheels will not slip on the spot at traffic lights, explains Adam Lenort, expert at ProfiAuto.

Myth 4 - Fuel cocktail, i.e. some petrol in the diesel tank

Another myth that is associated with old cars. This solution was used by drivers to keep the diesel from freezing. If in old cars such an action could work, the systems of which could cope with the filtration of such a cocktail, today it is absolutely impossible to do this. Modern diesel engines are equipped with common rail systems or unit injectors, and even a minimal amount of gasoline can be very harmful to them. ProfiAuto Serwis mechanics warn that this can lead to permanent engine damage, possible regeneration will be very expensive, and in extreme cases, the engine will need to be replaced with a new one. Since November, summer diesel fuel has been replaced at gas stations with winter diesel fuel, and there is no need to top up petrol. However, it should be refueled

 cars at large, checked stations. Small, on the sides, cannot provide fuel of sufficient quality due to small rotation.

Myth 5 - Alcohol or denatured alcohol instead of windshield washer fluid

This is another example of the "old" habits that some drivers still have. Alcohol is definitely not a good solution - it evaporates quickly and water falls out of it. If alcohol gets on the windshield while driving, it can cause frozen stripes that obstruct visibility, which is very dangerous and can even lead to an accident.

- Homemade windshield washer fluid recipes abound and you can find them on internet forums. There are, for example, drivers who use denatured alcohol diluted with vinegar. I do not recommend this solution, this mixture can also leave huge streaks and limit visibility. We also do not know how the "household liquid" will behave when in contact with our body and whether it is indifferent to the rubber components of the car. It is better not to experiment with windshield washer fluid at all - whether it is winter or summer. If we want to save a few zlotys, we can always choose a cheaper liquid, sums up Adam Lenort.

See also: Kia Stonic in our test