Winter is a difficult time for automobiles and their owners. Ice, snow, rain, cold, fog, and salt are all elements that wear down our vehicles over time. Do you know how to avoid putting your car to the test during the winter?
Here are a fews tips to help you for the next winter:
Take care of your car’s bodywork
During the winter, your car has to put up with a lot. The bodywork is the first element to be affected by the cold and winter (especially in Quebec!).
As a result, you should take care of your car’s exterior as soon as possible. If your vehicle is parked outside during salting periods, it is best to protect it from splashes from passing vehicles. Salt has a corrosive effect on vehicle bodywork and seals, so if you drive frequently during salting periods, it is best to wash the outside of your car on a regular basis. This will protect the paint from the effects of salt.
The simplest way to protect your car from salt, as well as ice and other winter inconveniences, is to opt for a winter car shelter. It will also save you a lot of time in the morning because you won’t have to spend as much time getting your car ready to drive.
Check the condition of your car’s engine
To avoid a breakdown in the middle of winter, lost in the middle of the forest, it is critical to check the condition of the car on a regular basis. The engine is the main component that is subject to significant temperature variations in the winter. To ensure that you are driving in the best conditions, check all of the levels: oil, coolant, and windshield washer.
If the oil or coolant level falls below the minimum, it could be disastrous for your vehicle. Mechanical issues may arise, so make sure to keep these fluid levels stable.
Taking care of the battery and lighting in winter
Another critical component of your vehicle is the battery; without it, you cannot start it. Winter, with its occasionally negative temperatures, puts a strain on most batteries. The batteries are at risk of discharging prematurely under these conditions. It is critical to ensure that there is no oxidation on the battery terminals, as this oxidation represents poor electrical continuity and can lead to battery malfunction. You must monitor the battery’s charge level; the battery must be able to recharge while driving.
Another important factor in seeing and being seen by other drivers is the condition of your lighting. Lighting is critical for avoiding traffic accidents. Consider keeping spare lamps in your vehicle to compensate for any breakdown or wear on your lighting.
Our other tips for taking care of your car:
Tires can lose air pressure in cold weather, which can cause them to wear unevenly, or to lose traction on the road. Check your tire pressure regularly, and make sure that the tires have enough tread. If the tread is worn, consider replacing the tires before the winter weather arrives.
Keeping an emergency kit in your car can help you if you get stranded in the snow. The kit should include a shovel, scraper, blankets, and warm clothing. Also, always keep your phone charged and a car charger handy, in case of emergency.
Using a high-quality windshield wiper fluid that is rated for use in cold weather can help keep your windshield clear of snow and ice. Cold weather can cause regular wiper fluids to freeze, which can cause the wipers to stop working.
Keeping a full tank of gas can help prevent your fuel line from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. Also, if you have to abandon your car in an emergency situation, having a full tank of gas will give you more options to reach the help.
A cold weather can be hard on batteries and can cause them to lose power. Check your battery and make sure it’s in good condition before the cold weather arrives. If the battery is weak, or if it is more than a few years old, consider having it replaced before the winter weather sets in.
