In winter, you have to regularly check the condition of the brakes and battery [video]

Problems with starting the engine, or a frozen door in winter is actually daily bread. In order not to pose a threat to yourself and other road users, you should take care of the condition of the battery, alternator, brakes or wipers.

On a road covered with ice or slush, the stopping distance is much longer, so it is necessary to constantly monitor the braking system and, if necessary, replace already worn out components. Similarly with the injection system and the charging system.

– In winter, we turn on the lights more often and use heating, which increases the electricity consumption in the car, which in turn leads to faster battery wear and loss of its properties. Therefore, from time to time we have to go to a specialized workshop and check the performance of the battery and charging system in the car, says Zenon Rudak, head of the Hella Polska technical center, to the Newseria news agency.

A worn out or old battery, if not properly charged, can fail when you least expect it. Regular checking of working fluids is also important, especially in the cooling system. It is also worth checking the tire pressure regularly, as well as making sure that we have a working spare tire - if necessary, pump it up and check if we have all the tools necessary for its possible replacement.

Most of the other preparations you might want to make when frost or snow is forecast for you can be done by yourself. Each driver must be equipped with snow removal equipment and liquid windshield de-icer.

- A brush and scraper will always come in handy. Remember that if you're shoveling snow off the car and shaking snow off the roof and windows, it's a good idea to clean the headlights as well. Snow-covered or icy headlights are hard to see, and this affects our safety on the road. I recommend that you always check the lighting and have spare bulbs, explains Zenon Rudak.

If someone decides to go on vacation in the mountains, where snowfalls are more frequent and intense, the car must be equipped with a snow shovel and snow chains. It is also worth preparing for emergency situations, i.e. keep a phone charger in the car, blankets or chocolates to help when the weather makes you wait in the car for help or to unblock the road.

The expert stresses that in colder temperatures, drivers should make sure they have more fuel in the tank.

- Washing cars in winter is not popular, but you need to do it in such a way that it does not have too much salt, dust and various contaminants. The car can be washed even in frost, you just need to remember to dry all the door seals so that the door does not freeze, says Rudak.