Cars, like us humans, do not prefer to stay outside when the weather is very cold, as low temperatures affect all parts of your car, and since we have entered the winter season, it is very important to prepare your car to receive the coming cold months, by knowing how to maintain the car in winter By ensuring that all components of the vehicle are in good condition and conducting simple checks that greatly reduce the possibility of breakdowns of a component of the vehicle while driving on snow or ice.
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| 9 steps to maintain the car in the winter |
How to maintain the car in the winter
Cars are greatly affected by the winter season, as cold and rainy water affects their parts and expose them to damage, so we present to you how to preserve the car in the winter and prepare it to receive the cold and rainy months.
1. Vehicle readiness check
You must check the readiness of your car before the onset of winter, so check the oil and change it if necessary, make sure that the tires are filled with air as recommended by the manufacturer, and check the front and rear lights of the car, and keep in mind that the winter season is characterized by short days and long nights, so the Good lighting is the basis for preserving your life and your car, and we also recommend that you check and change the brake fluid if it turns brown.
2. Fix small crashes before they become big
Dealing with a mechanical problem rather than solving it is tempting for many, it is true that you can save money, or keep it in your pocket for as long as possible, but this behavior is a very bad strategy, especially during the advent of winter, that simple mechanical problem can turn into a big problem during The cold winter months, so preventative maintenance protects your car from any weather.
3. Air conditioning system check
- Keep in mind that your car's air-conditioning system has been running for long periods of time in the summer, so wear and tear may appear on it during the hot months.
- Run the engine, let it run, then visually check the main parts like the radiator, hoses, and water pump, checking for leaks, smoke, and any kind of visible damage.
- Certainly, you cannot drive properly when you are in a cold car whose air conditioning is turned off in the coldest seasons of the year, so checking the air conditioning system is necessary to receive the cold days.
4. Change of floor coverings
This is important if you live in an area where it snows a lot, as you should buy a set of high-quality rubber floor mats, as they help you protect your car floor from the mud sticking to your shoes throughout the winter that may melt and damage the floors.
5. Battery check
- Your car battery is greatly affected by low temperatures, as the liquid inside it thickens, and thus the car will consume more energy to rotate the engine.
- Use a multimeter to test the battery when the car is off and perform the same test with the engine running to ensure the charging system is in good condition. It's a simple 2-minute test anyone can do.
6. Brake test
- Disturbing jerks and a light brake pedal are all signs that your car's braking system is in serious need of maintenance.
- The problem increases and becomes more evident in the winter season, especially on snowy or icy roads, and it can cause very serious accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to check the brakes with a specialized technician periodically, not only before the cold winter season but at all times of the year.
7. Emergency kit bag
It's a good idea to carry an emergency bag no matter the season. It should contain spare lights, jumper cables, essential tools, a drive belt, tarps, a reflective jacket, and put a blanket in the trunk that you might need when the temperature starts to drop.
8. Do not accelerate when the engine is cold
It's best to drive your car for the first few miles calmly, avoid speeding down the road as you've just started a race, watch the temperature gauge, and only accelerate when the engine gets warmer.
9. Caution while driving on snow
Driving on snow and ice is difficult, so you must be careful by increasing the safety distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, avoid stopping if you are walking towards the top of an inclined street, and not forget to walk quietly and use the brakes gently.