How do we protect the car in winter?

Winter is a difficult time for the car, with rain, snow, ice, fog and strong winds creating difficult driving conditions. The most important thing for all drivers to do is to prepare their car as best as possible.

A thorough check on the pressures of the four tires is the first thing they should do, while it’s important to spot any tire wear. The depth of the tread should not be less than 1.6 mm, while the sides should not have the slightest deformation. If the lines are visible, the tire must be replaced immediately. If there is wear on the sole, which is not uniform, then there is a problem with the suspensions.

For mountainous areasmainly in Northern Greece, where the temperature drops below zero, winter tires must be fitted to the car, which have a much better behavior in snow, ice and low temperatures.

In our vehicle we must necessarily have one with us ice scraper, a cloth or even a de-icing spray for the locks, chains or snow blankets in case of snow, battery cables, blanket, flashlight and gloves.

When the temperature drops low enough, usually the old batteries cannot provide the necessary electricity for starting. In order for the driver to avoid an unpleasant situation, it is good to visit a mechanic, who will do battery condition diagnosiswhile it is good to fully charge the battery to enter the winter with high charge levels.

In winter there are many elements that affect visibility on the road. This means that we control the lighting. If the bulbs in the front and rear lights or turn signals are not working properly, they must be replaced. Good condition of the wipers is necessary for the driver to see clearly through the windshield. Wipers need to be changed once a year and must always be clean to be able to do their job properly.

When the temperature is low, it is important for the driver to check the different levels of the car. The engine oil it should be at the level specified by the manufacturer to limit friction between engine components. If the level is low, then we top up. The coolant must be changed regularly and topped up with additional antifreeze. The windshield washer system must be full and the water must be able to withstand low temperatures. For this case there are special antifreezes.

The radiator must be in good condition. After all, it is not very convenient and safe not to have heating while driving. Also, heating is a key element in windshield defrosting.

It is good that the air conditioning works every 15 days for 15 minutes. This will protect the tightness of the air conditioning circuit and keep the pipe connections in good condition. It is noted that with the air conditioning, the windshield defrosts faster, thanks to its dehumidifying function.

For cars with diesel engines starting problems may occur at very low temperatures. Due to its composition, diesel is particularly sensitive to cold. Thus, paraffin crystals may appear and clog the filter. Even if the motor diesel available on the market is suitable for winter conditions, it is necessary for the driver to park his car in a place less exposed to the cold. The ideal is to park in a closed area. If, however, there is no covered area, the tank should be as full as possible, as this will delay the cooling of the diesel.

It is good that the car does not stay stationary for a long time in the winter. Running the engine for a few minutes every few days will keep the battery in good condition.

However, apart from preparing the car for the difficult weather conditions, the driver should have done service to be sure of the excellent condition of his vehicle. A general service will also help with fuel economy.

Finally, in the storage space there must be the reserve is in good conditionas well as all the necessary tools, triangle, fire extinguisher, and pour the documents.

RES-EMP

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