You might have come across several articles that tell you about all the precautionary measures that you must take during the monsoon season to protect your car from the vagaries of nature, but this is probably the first time you have encountered an article that outlines the different measures that need to be taken to be winter-ready. Want to learn more about this? Read on!
What can You Do to Make Your Car Winter Ready?
The winter season can affect the car adversely too and the following measures can be taken to reduce the toll that it takes on your car and driving –
- Change the fluids: Get the car serviced before the start of winter and get the mechanic to check the coolant, transmission, power steering fluid, etc. to see if they are in good working condition. It is better to notice the threat before it becomes a full-blown problem.
- Get your car tuned up: Avoid abandoning your car in winter and keep the engine running once in a while to ensure that engines are in a sound working condition. It is a good idea to let the car breathe once in a while by revving it up, even if that means to kick-starting and turning it off in the confines of your garage.
- Change your oil and oil filters: It is crucial that the oil used should have the right viscosity, or thickness, for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it is too thick, then it will not perform its task of keeping your engine lubricated. It is advisable to check the owner’s user manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures to get the best results. The oil filters too must be changed accordingly.
- Check the brakes: Cars are more prone to malfunctions when during extreme weather conditions. So, ensure that the breaks are in proper working condition.
- Clean and check the car battery: Although the frosty winters do not induce temperature-induced damage to your battery like the summer heat, the battery has a good chance of dying off during winter due to distilled water freezing inside or improper functioning of the electrical system.
- Check the tyre pressure: During the winter season, tyre pressure decreases and driving with a low tyre pressure can have an adverse impact on your driving. Perform frequent checks to keep it in the right condition.
- Make sure your defroster/defogger still works: Fogging is caused due to a temperature difference between the outer and inner environment of the car. This fog can be removed, altering the same and minimizing the temperature difference which causes its occurrence in the first place. This can be easily achieved with the help of a defroster, therefore make sure that it is in a workable condition.
- Replace the windshield blades: During colder months, fog, mist, and smoke have a strong tendency to accumulate over your windshield. This directly hampers your visibility. It is therefore of utmost importance that you keep the windshield blades in good shape.
- Test the headlights and fog lamps: Visibility becomes low in cold conditions, especially in hilly areas, making it very difficult to notice the presence of other vehicles or pedestrians crossing the road. It is a good option to have proper headlights, indicators and fog lamps in the car to help you drive safely and also ensure that all others on the road are given adequate notice of your presence.
- Clean the exhaust system: Mounted on the bottom of the vehicle, the exhaust system takes a direct hit as you drive down the road; potholes, ice chunks and snow build-up can cause serious damage. Make sure that the exhaust system is free of any debris and that there is no moisture collection causing corrosion of the system or rusting of any sort. Hissing or rattling or the sound of vibrating metal or roaring of the vehicle are all signs of the exhaust system experiencing some trouble. Attend it without fail.
- Buy car insurance: Opt-in for a good car insurance cover to offer you some financial safety in difficult times. Strengthen this comprehensive car insurance cover with Roadside Assistance and Engine Protection add-ons.
Conclusion
For all those residing in extremely cold weather conditions, park your car in a place where it is safe from heavy snowfall. Also, keep the interiors cosy with the help of cosy seat covers and cushions and an extra pair of warm mittens and a jacket. Have an emergency kit handy too.
Drive safe, protect yourself and your car from hazards of any kind and when you aren’t doing either of those, enjoy your hot masala chai and maggi to warm yourself up in this cold weather!
