Winter car operation - what you need to remember?

Winter is a destructive time for cars. The conditions prevailing at this time of the year, together with salt and sand applied to the road, amplify the negative impact, contributing to much faster wear of vehicle components. The exterior of the car is most affected - the body and chassis, which are subject to corrosion and accelerated wear due to corrosive salt, impacts of sand particles and changeable weather. Also, let's not forget about the engine and mechanical parts, which are also not friendly in the cold season. How to drive a car so that the effects of winter are as little noticeable as possible?

What will you learn from this post?

• Winter gadgets in the car - what you need to have?
• Important points - winter tires and spare tire
• What fluids should be checked in winter?
• Why is it worth checking the battery and alternator?
• Winter problems with moisture and evaporation of windows
• How to treat the engine in winter?

TL, д-

Winter forces you to approach the car correctly. This is very important if we want drive safely on the roads... How should the car be operated at this time of year? First of all, it is worth equipping it with such a trifle as: ice scraper, windshield defroster, broom and silicone for seals... Also, let's remember about winter tires, working spare wheel (with tools for its replacement), checking working fluids, battery and charging system, as well as rubber matswhich will help get rid of moisture from the car. In winter, you need to use the car more delicately, especially when the engine is not warmed up.

Equip your car with everything you need for winter

Every winter there is snow and frost, which means - the need to remove snow from the car and scratch icy windows... And although winters in recent years have not been very "snowy", we must always consider the possibility that the white powder will fall and surprise us at the most unexpected moment. For this circumstance, it is worth finding a place in our car for broom, ice scraper and / or windshield defroster... The last gadget will be good to consider in particular, because it allows you to quickly get rid of ice on the windows. Then, even in a situation where you need to hurry, we will safely defrost the windows in our car. It can also be a winter necessity. silicone for gaskets... In some cars it may be like this unpleasant door freezing situation. This usually happens when, after wet days, frost sets in - the wet gasket freezes through, sometimes even so much that the door does not open at all. Cars that park under the so-called However, even in the case of garage cars, a few hours of being parked at the workplace can lead to freezing and blocking the door. If we regularly apply silicone to the door seals, we will avoid this problem. What other equipment is worth having in a car that will be used in winter? You may find it useful defroster lock – use it at the right time, store it in your purse or somewhere else outside the car.

Winter tires are a must

Before the first snowfall, you need to change Winter tires – it is important that they have an appropriate tread size, and, in addition, they should not be old, because multi-year tires have much worse properties (less grip on snow and slush and longer braking distances). Continuing the theme of tires, it is also worth checking out in winter. condition of the spare wheel and the tools used to fit it... At this time of the year, many new holes appear on the road, it gets dark earlier, and the snow does not make it easier to see, so it is not difficult to puncture a tire in winter. To deal with this problem, in addition to a spare wheel, you will need a wheel wrench and a jack.

Technical fluids and engine oil

The issue of replacing engine oil for the winter is controversial - some motorists consider this procedure necessary, others say that it would be better to carry out this operation in the spring, that is, after a difficult winter period. It is important that the engine is properly lubricated at all times of the year, and if the oil was used up before winter (that is, it could be changed before or during winter), replacement should not be delayed until spring, but should be done in winter. at the right time - once a year or every 10-20 thousand kilometers traveled. Definitely worth considering changing the lubricant after winter, that is, in the spring. In winter and the accompanying harsh conditions for the car, in the engine dirt particles and metal filings accumulate, therefore oil change in spring, would be a good idea.

In addition to engine oil, there are other types of oil in our car. working fluidswhich are worth checking whether the car drives in winter conditions - first of all, it is worth checking the condition brake fluid. It is a liquid that absorbs moisture strongly, therefore it requires periodic replacement. Too much water in the brake fluid can cause it to freeze locally, which can be fatal. It is worth replacing the brake fluid before winter - in old cars (without sophisticated modern braking assistance systems), this can be done even by yourself, in your own garage. On newer vehicles with ABS and other systems, you need to go to a workshop and have a specialist change the brake fluid.

In addition to the brake fluid, let's also make sure that our car is equipped with winter washer fluid, which will be indispensable in many situations, especially in winter. Also, remember that summer fluid will freeze in the tank during severe frosts.

Winter inspection of the storage battery and generator

Winter is frost, often strong, and therefore heavy burdens. battery... At this time of year, and even before it comes, it is useful to check the condition of the battery and the charging voltage itself. If we know that our battery has been faulty for some time, then during severe frosts, we may have a real problem with starting the car. A battery problem can also be the result of a malfunction of the charging (alternator) itself.... How to check? Preferably by measuring the voltage across the battery terminals while the engine is running. If the reading shows less than 13,7V or more than 14,5V, your alternator most likely needs repair.

Rugs, moisture and smoking windows

Driving in winter also means withstanding dampness and therefore smoking windows... This problem can be very frustrating. How can I get rid of this? Firstly, if we get into the car in snow-covered boots, we simultaneously drive it to the vehicle. a lot of moisture... If the car has velor carpets, the water from our clothes will soak into them and, unfortunately, do not dry out too quickly. It will slowly evaporate, settling on the windows. Therefore, before the onset of winter, it is worth stocking up rubber mats with edgeswhich will hold the water and allow it to be emptied out of the machine later.

Take care of the engine

The way of driving in winter should not only be much more careful, but also adapted to the conditions on the street - a cold engine must not be connected... It must be handled with care, let the drive warm up before we decide to run it at a higher speed.

The car should be used in winter properly equipped so that it can be effectively removed from the snow or ice when needed. Also important are high-quality fluids, durable winter tires, a working battery and generator, rubber mats. If you are looking for auto parts to help you get through the winter, be sure to check out I avtotachki.co and take a look at our assortment, which we are constantly expanding.

Need another timely advice? Check out our other entries:

Departure for the holidays. What should we have in the car?

What engine oil for the winter?

Car bearings - why do they wear out and how to care for them?

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