While you bundle up in layers of warm clothing and sip piping hot beverages, spare a thought for your car as well, for it too is dealing with the chill of the winter air. While cars are engineered for the highest standards of durability, here are a few tips that will ensure comfortable and worry-free motoring during cold climatic conditions.
Spread The Warmth
Just like you must warm up before starting your daily routine, so must your car. Engines are designed to operate at optimum temperatures. Letting an engine idle after starting up in the morning allows the cold metal of the moving parts to warm up. Doing so also allows the engine oil to circulate around the necessary components for lubrication to ensure less operational wear and tear. So, ideally, let your engine idle for 2-3 minutes, or as the manufacturer recommends, to let it reach a state of comfortable operation. Idling an engine during the initial starting up for the day is required throughout the year. Still, it becomes more important during colder weather.
Keep A Tab On Any Hiccups
Suppose the starter motor takes longer to crank the engine (i.e. the car takes longer to start). In that case, having the vehicle inspected at an authorised service centre is advisable to check for irregularities.
Feel The Spark
We all need to recharge once in a while! One should check the car battery with a volt test before the winter begins, to see if it has enough power. This can be done quickly and easily at a workshop. Cold weather increases battery discharge, and older car batteries tend to lose power more quickly. Mechanics can ascertain whether a battery with lower capacity can be recharged for trouble-free performance or if the battery needs to be replaced.
Stay Frost Free
If you live in sub-zero temperatures or travel to such places, ensuring enough coolant in the system is imperative. In extreme weather, distilled water does not do the job alone, as it can freeze the cooling system and radiator. Usually, a 60-per-cent coolant/anti-freeze and 40-per-cent distil water mix is recommended. Again, it is advisable to refer to the car’s user manual for the same.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Winters mean different requirements from the car’s Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC). It is common to stop using the air-conditioning and start using the heater instead. A pre-winter check of the heating, air-recirculation mode and different air-flow modes to the feet, body, and windshield for demisting must be checked for proper functioning.
Put Your Nose To Use
Do pay attention to any odd smells when the heater is being used. In case of any odd smells, it is advisable to discontinue the use of the heater till it has been checked. Remember to always use the heater with the HVAC system's air-circulation feature remaining open.
Under-Pressure?
Each of us remembers the theory that cold air contracts. The same is applicable when it comes to your car. In the winter, the tyre pressure tends to drop as the air inside the tyres contracts. So when it gets colder, one must ensure that the tyre air pressure is adequate according to the manufacturer-recommended guidelines. Filling nitrogen in the tyres ensures that tyre pressure does not change with weather or running conditions.
Light It Up!
Fog and snowy conditions experienced in the winter month pose a challenge to visibility while driving. During the cold season, it is advisable to occasionally walk around the car with all the lights turned on to ensure that each of them is working. In addition, fog lamps present in the bumper of the car (lower than the headlights) help in aiding visibility. Because fog hovers close to the ground, the lamps are designed to shine down, illuminating the road beneath the fog. The top of the beam is cut off sharply so the light does not shine into the fog and reflect off it.
Keep The Squeaks Away
Just as you may feel your fair share of aches and pains in cold weather, a car too may develop squeaky doors as the temperature drops. Applying some grease/WD40/lubricating oils on the door hinges will help quieten them down if this happens.
Chain Them Up!
Snow and ice on tarmac roads can lead to extremely slippery and dangerous driving conditions. It is imperative to exercise caution and safeguard your vehicle. If you are driving to snowy regions or live in one, it is a good idea to fit snow tyres or snow chains over regular tyres for adequate traction.
Winter Essentials To Keep In Your Car
Extra Set Of Winterwear
Keep a pair of gloves, muffler, shawl and a woollen cap, in case you or your passengers need an extra layer.
A Flashlight
This may come in handy if you are stranded with a flat on a lonely stretch of road.
Snacks And Water
If you are driving in the hills, you could go for miles without a restaurant or eatery in sight.
Microfiber Cloth
To wipe the windshield clean.