Winter, like every year, surprised the drivers. Some in a hurry sign up for winter tires, others check the condition of the battery. What elements of the car should be checked in winter to protect against unforeseen situations? Experts advise.
It’s the busiest time of the year for drivers. In winter, cars are exposed to factors such as frost, moisture, snow and salt. What is the best way to take care of your own four wheels? Here are some tips from the Q Service Castrol car service network that will help keep your car’s components and assemblies in good condition in cold weather.
Change your tires to winter
According to the Polish Tire Industry Association, 6 million drivers hesitate to change tires before the autumn-winter season. However, it is worth taking care of your own safety and the safety of other road users and invest in timely replacement of tires.
Winter tires must have a tread depth of at least 4 mm. The tires must also have the same level of wear on one axle, and in the case of 4×4 vehicles on both axles. Tires cannot be older than 10 years. However, after 5 years, their rubber can become brittle and crack, making them unusable. After this period, they lose their properties and the rubber gradually hardens. Mechanics also advise regularly checking the condition of the spare wheel.
Check working fluids
When preparing your car for winter, do not forget to change or at least check all working fluids.
Fresh coolant will not freeze even in the most severe frosts, but as it wears out, its freezing threshold decreases. Freezing can even damage the engine. To prevent this from happening, replace it with a new one. If the fluid change date is approaching, it is better to do it before winter - this should be done no later than once every 4-5 years.
It is also worth paying more attention to brake fluid in winter, which is highly hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs water over time. Its presence lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
Mechanics also advise taking care of the correct level of engine oil in winter. The mechanic will help you choose the right oil. Lubrication cannot be accidental. It should have exactly the same viscosity as recommended by the oil manufacturer.
Before driving, check the condition of the battery
A poorly performing battery can effectively prevent a car from starting. You can check the condition of the battery with a multimeter. Such measurements should be carried out in a professional car workshop. It is worth checking the condition of the battery both at rest and after its so-called recovery. load. Used batteries must be replaced with new ones. This is an item that does not regenerate.
Checking the chassis and bodywork of your vehicle
Before winter, it is advisable to check the condition of the chassis to exclude any signs of corrosion. Particular attention should be paid to such details as the brake and fuel lines, suspension and load-bearing elements. Any signs of rust should be removed immediately to prevent corrosion from spreading to the vehicle. It is also a good idea to protect the chassis with an anti-corrosion coating, which will reduce the negative impact of road salt.
Check the brakes on the car
A well-functioning brake system, especially in winter, ensures faster braking. In order for it to work with maximum efficiency in the most difficult time of the year, first of all, you should check the brake pads and discs. In the winter season, it is much easier to lose control of the vehicle due to the prevailing weather conditions. Driving style at this time is different from driving a car, for example, in summer. The driver drives slower and slightly depresses the brake pedal, and system elements such as pistons and pads are displaced by a few millimeters. As a result, in combination with slush and possible corrosion caused by the above atmospheric agents, brake performance can be significantly reduced after winter.
It is also important to check the condition of the brake lines and fluid. In winter, the handbrake very often fails due to moisture, low temperature outside and dirt. The system of levers and cables, which is protected by casings, is responsible for the correct operation of the handbrake. These under the influence of winter conditions lose their tightness. The best solution to prevent jamming of this mechanism is to replace the cable with a new, frost-proof one.
Check the condition of the spark plugs
Depending on whether we are dealing with a gasoline or diesel engine, a different spark plug model requires verification. In the case of a diesel, these are glow plugs - high-temperature heaters built into the cylinder head. If the driver is having trouble starting the diesel, chances are they are already badly worn out and need to be replaced with a new set.
In a gasoline engine, check the spark plugs. Wear and tear, in addition to the fact that the car does not start, can cause, for example, a breakdown. loss of power, the engine chokes, stalls and runs unevenly. Symptoms like this can be caused by worn ignition wires, so it’s best to replace these items at the same time - if possible.
The generator is the heart of the car
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery in the car. The part is located in the engine compartment. If during measurement it turns out that the generator is charging too little, it will need to be regenerated or replaced.
Check the condition of car filters
In winter, a clean fuel filter can protect incl. damage to the engine injection system due to wax deposition. Before winter, you should take care of the fuel, oil and air filters. The latter does a great job in winter picking up any dirt from the road. The best solution to keep them in good condition is regular replacement every 15,000 km.
According to mechanics, it is also necessary to ensure the proper quality of the air entering the car interior, i.e. a properly functioning cabin filter. In autumn, it is subjected to a special test, including due to infection with leaves that rot after a while. To prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to replace the cabin filter before winter along with the rest - fuel, oil and air.
Invest in wipers
It’s also a good idea to replace the wipers (both on the windshield and on the rear window) before winter, especially if they spread water instead of collecting it. Worn out wipers can scratch the glass fairly quickly, and this is a problem that won’t be cheap to fix. When choosing a suitable washer fluid, remember its freezing point - the best option is not higher than -20 ° C. Don’t buy cheap washer fluids. They can permanently damage the paint on the hood and discolor the glass.
Winter is a very demanding period for drivers. The prevailing weather conditions, including snow, frost or mud, contribute greatly to the deterioration of vehicle components. All of the above tips and tricks will help to avoid unexpected breakdowns, and drivers to get rid of unnecessary stress associated with additional costs for car repairs.
Source: Wprost
