are you tired of finding yourself
the frozen windshield In the mornings? Do you park on the street and every day is a different adventure with your vehicle? are just two of the consequences of the arrival of winter, low temperatures, snow and frost.
Common situations on these dates that show that we usually forget to “warm up” our car so that it suffers as little as possible during the coldest months of the year.
Besides causing numerous traffic problems, with the need to take extreme precautions once we are on the road, other possible consequences of cold, snow or ice include excessive fuel consumption, engine failure, premature wear or lack of visibility.
The cold directly affects the use of the car and the state of maintenance. Tire pressure, belts, engine hoses, rubber parts or windshield wipers lose their effectiveness below 10ºC. These are some of the components to be reviewed before the arrival of winter, but they will not be the only ones.
Carglass recommends applying to the windshield
a specific repellent treatment from liquid and insects, which not only significantly improves visibility during the day and at night in rainy situations, prevents freezing of the windows in not too extreme conditions and facilitates the removal of ice.
During the day
the hottest months of the year in which we collect many kilometers on the road at high temperatures, we also collect dust, pollen, sand, soot, etc. in the main air intakes of the car. By checking the air filter after this time and before freezing, we can reduce fuel and oil consumption.
The cleaner the air filter, the better the combustion and therefore the more we will reduce fuel consumption. In addition, it allows us to comply with current regulations in the field of polluting emissions.
MANN+HUMMEL experts warn against
the importance of checking filters of the car, before the arrival of winter, to avoid fright on the road and unforeseen cash outlays.
On the other hand, the Alquiber experts offer us a series of tips that can save us from surprises and disappointments in a cold snap like the one currently hitting the Iberian Peninsula, with more than 11 communities on alert and cities like Lleida and Huesca hoping to reach temperatures down to -10ºC.
Cold waves, for example, can suddenly and without warning discharge the car battery, leaving us stranded at the most inopportune moment. For this reason, it is advisable to review it and replace it if necessary, since combustion vehicles need it
have good intensity for cold start. In addition, in the case of electrical devices, this monitoring is vital since the main point to function is the electrical battery. If it fails, it could even affect its autonomy – as regenerative braking can be modified -.
To prevent the radiator fluid from freezing during frosts, it is advisable to monitor the antifreeze levels and extend its service life no more than four years, as it loses properties with use. In addition, it is important not to use water as a coolant in this system, as it freezes faster and can clog some elements and even burst the circuit.
Remember that you should never pour hot water on a frozen windshield, as it may crack.
by thermal shock. A scraper or even a card is more advisable and if possible perform the operation in the less cold hours of the day. In addition, to prevent low temperatures and frost from immobilizing the wipers outside, it is best to let them sleep on the coldest nights or place a cork between the wipers and the glass. Another ice-fighting option, once it has appeared, is to start the car and direct the heated vents toward the windshield.
For the bodywork, it is best to protect the car with a tarpaulin, especially if you sleep on the street, this not only prevents damage to the bodywork and windscreen, but also the freezing of many mechanical parts.
Cold
It also affects the interior of the car., and especially for liquids. Driving with the oil, steering oil and brake fluid still too cold can damage some important components. Let the vehicle idle for a few minutes before hitting the road to allow all the mechanics to warm up a bit. Even if you have to spend a few minutes clearing ice from the windshield, it’s best to start the car before scratching and turn on the heater so that the windows warm up on the inside.
For the locks, and prevent them
they remain frozen, it is not recommended to use brute force to try to open the car, as this could damage the mechanism. It is advisable to use alcohol or even a hand dryer to open the doors without forcing them. To permanently prevent the problem, there are lubricant sprays that prevent freezing.
Finally, if you stay in the car
a small package Getting your car ready in the morning will be much easier with the accessories you need to get through the winter. It is best to take a scraper to remove the ice from the windows, and a de-icing product just for emergencies – they are very comfortable because they work immediately, but eventually they dissolve the tires and damage the car with normal use -. This kit should not lack some gloves and other accessories that you might need on the road, such as chains, a blanket and a jerry can with oil and fuel.
Source: La Verdad
I am Mary Fitzgerald, a professional journalist and author of the Today Times Live. My specialty is in writing and reporting on technology-related topics. I have spent the last seven years extensively researching and understanding the field of technology so I can properly inform my readers about developments in this ever-evolving world.
