3 Tips to keep your vehicle in perfect condition for the winter…
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Keeping your car in perfect condition during winter can enhance your safety when driving in cold weather. While the repairs may seem simple, they can make the difference between getting stranded by the roadside and arriving at your destination on time. Here are some tips to keep your car in good condition.
1. Inspect and Maintain the Brakes
The snowy conditions during the winter can affect your vehicle’s average stopping distance. However, bad brakes can worsen the situation. Ensuring your brake system is in perfect working condition makes your car safe for driving in winter conditions.
Water and melting ice can lead to the accumulation of excess moisture on the brake components. The performance drops when the water freezes on the brakes since you need more pressure to stop the vehicle. Usually, you’ll experience substantial braking drag, which can be dangerous. Similarly, moisture may find its way into your brake fluid, rendering the system ineffective.
Brake checks/maintenance should be a top priority as winter approaches. This ensures all the intricate parts are in perfect condition to avoid dangerous situations when driving in adverse weather conditions.
2. Change Your Engine Fluids
While some vehicles are easier to maintain and repair, all vehicles require regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance. That’s why you need to consider various factors when choosing your next car model. However, you may sometimes need assistance when buying a car to ensure you are getting a great vehicle that is also suitable for your needs.
Your engine needs proper lubrication to ensure smooth running during the winter. Typically, cold temperatures can reduce the efficiency of some engine oils, but thinner oils are more versatile in winter weather. Thin oil circulates in the engine quickly, keeping the internal parts lubricated.
Similarly, a suitable engine coolant protects your engine from overheating in hot weather and freezing in winter. Closely monitor the coolant level to ensure that it is sufficiently high. However, it’s vital to avoid exceeding the recommended level when topping up.
Most importantly, it’s essential to stick with the correct fluids as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and avoid mixing different types when topping up. A concoction of different oil and antifreeze fluids can cause severe engine problems in future, leaving you with huge repair bills.
3. Keep Your Battery in Perfect Condition
The scorching summer can quickly take a toll on your battery. And you may not realise it until you discover your vehicle is unresponsive on a chilly winter morning. You should frequently test your battery and replace it when necessary to avoid surprises. A faulty battery can be frustrating and often disappoint when you least expect it. Note that the electronic control systems in modern vehicles may be adversely affected/damaged by low battery voltage…
ALWAYS fit the correct battery type as specified by the vehicle maker, this is ESSENTIAL with the electronic systems, including ‘Stop/Start’ set-ups, installed in most modern vehicles.
During the winter, the battery works harder to keep the car powered, and energy losses are higher when not in use. A trickle charger can save your battery from unnecessary power drain, especially if you live in an area with extremely low temperatures. Moisture buildup on battery terminals can lead to corrosion and bigger battery issues. You should lubricate your terminals to prevent corrosion and unnecessary replacements.
Conclusions
It’s essential to ensure your car is at its optimum performance during winter, but you need to be proactive. While your maintenance schedule can vary depending on your vehicle’s condition, checking the brakes, battery and engine fluids can prevent problems and inconveniences.