Temperatures below freezing or snowfall can increase the likelihood of serious mechanical damage to the car, preventing us from driving safely
Temperatures below freezing or snowfall can increase the likelihood of serious mechanical damage to the car, preventing us from driving safely. In this sense, prevention is an essential factor to prevent many parts of our vehicle from being damaged by the cold. Therefore, it is important to know how to maintain the vehicle at this time of year and thus
safely into the winter.
One of the mechanical elements of the vehicle
The low temperatures suffer the most is the battery. Low temperatures can even increase the chance of discharge. Normally, the battery does not need any maintenance, except for the replacement at the end of its life, which is usually between 3 and 5 5, explains Confortauto Hankook Masters. If the battery has this average age, it is advisable to replace it before you notice one morning that the car does not start or that it is very difficult to start. At the slightest symptom, you better replace it.
Tires should also be in good condition all year round. If they do not have the correct pressure or if the rubber pattern is worn out, our adhesion to the asphalt becomes uncertain. In winter, temperatures drop, it snows and rains more often, so it is normal to find wet or even icy or snowy asphalt while driving.
Tire inspection is currently essential to prevent effects such as aquaplaning. We must take into account the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and check it regularly to detect if a tire has lost air. It is also wise to regularly check the wear and depth. To ensure maximum grip and traction, the tread depth of the tires should not exceed 1.6 millimeters (established legal limit), and it is advisable to replace them when the depth is less than 3 millimeters.
In the cold months it is also essential that the
windshield wipers are in good condition. There’s nothing more annoying than driving on a rainy day with a bad blade that leaves a hazy halo on the windshield. Make sure they are clean and replace them when they wear out. While they look good visually, they can have dry rubber as sudden changes in temperature, prolonged exposure to the sun and the passage of time play against them. Pour water on the windshield and check if they wipe well, if not replace them. Another important detail is to check that there is enough windshield washer fluid in our tank and if not, top it up.
With a minimum of mercury, there are liquids in the car that can freeze, as happens with those of the windscreen washer tank, for example. It is also essential to check the coolant level as it allows maintaining the optimum engine temperature. Another aspect to consider, especially if you live in areas with sub-zero temperatures, is checking the condition of the coolant. The coolant, in turn, is antifreeze up to a certain temperature, but loses properties with use.
We have to with the cold too
check out our braking system, because they lose their effectiveness at low temperatures. The poor condition of these components translates into longer braking times and an increased risk of an accident. It is important to pay attention to the brake pads, as accumulated dirt and moisture can cause squeaking and rubbing with the brake discs. This can reduce braking power or increase brake temperature too much, causing the brake pads to crystallize and lose their properties.
Finally, and far from being an element of pure comfort, the air conditioning system is key to reducing condensation in the passenger compartment and demisting the windows, so its proper operation in this season is of great importance. It is important to check that it works in perfect conditions, so that in addition to helping us fight the cold, it also offers us maximum visibility.
It should be borne in mind that the heating radiator can become clogged extremely easily due to the solid residues floating in the coolant circuit. In this case, the best advice is to go to a trusted workshop for proper and careful cleaning of the heating radiator and the entire cooling circuit of the car.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
