Winter is coming, there’s nothing we can do about it. You’re going to need to buy some winter tires (if you haven’t already), and make sure your car is in good shape by having it do a major fall service.
And you know, there is nothing better to do than the specialists at your dealership who will help you prevent any sores that could occur during the cold season. And sores, in -30 degrees, we do not want too much.
But now, during the winter you can also take care of your vehicle. It only takes a little attention to keep you running smoothly.
Other new car owners think winter is easy to beat but if you are not prepared, you’ll be on the losing end. There are several things to prepare not only for your vehicle but also for yourself. Winter tires, winter coats, winter boots, and other accessories are needed. Now, if you have a problem looking for these items in just one store, I suggest you visit Zemotor.com. You may also look for some 4×4 for winter.
So let’s jump into the topic and let you know what to do before winter comes.
Equip your car with winter tires
Does the outside temperature drop below 44 degrees? It’s time to equip your vehicle with winter tires to safely ride on dry, wet, icy, or snowy roads. Thanks to their soft rubber and their sipes, they guarantee good grip and limit the risk of skidding due to bad weather. Winter tires also make it possible to reduce the braking distance. Finally, do not forget to check their pressure and wear once a month: for winter tires, the depth of the grooves must be at least 1.6mm.
Your toolbox
In winter, it is recommended to keep the following equipment in your car to ensure your safety and comfort:
an ice scraper, a cloth, or even a de-icing spray;
snow chains or socks in case of heavy snowfall on the road;
jumper cables;
warm clothes, a blanket, and a flashlight;
Gloves.
Always check the status of your battery
You are late for work, you arrive in front of your car, the night has been cold and there… Impossible to start! No need to look far: your battery is probably dead. To avoid this kind of bad surprise, it is recommended to do a check-up before winter and to maintain it regularly. To do this, clean the terminals of your battery and coat them with grease to prevent sulfate from clogging them. Then check its voltage: it should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts. This is not the case? It’s time to charge it or change it.
Ensure good visibility
Rain, fog, snow… In winter, all the elements are unleashed to affect visibility on the road. The first reflex to have: watch your lights. If the bulbs in your headlights, sidelights or turn signals are not working properly, change them right away. The good condition of your windshield wipers is also essential to see clearly in the car. It is recommended to change them once a year and to maintain them regularly by cleaning the squeegees with hot water mixed with a little white vinegar.
The key figure: 18.6mph
This is the recommended speed for safe driving on snow-covered roads. Indeed, the behavior of your car is not the same as on a dry road: increased stopping distances reduced driving flexibility …
Control the levels
When temperatures start to drop, it’s important to take a look at the different levels in your vehicle:
Engine oil should be changed regularly to limit clogging and friction between engine parts;
The coolant must be changed regularly and may be supplemented with an anti-freeze additive;
The windscreen washer must withstand negative temperatures (opt for an antifreeze washer).
In winter, the oil will be more viscous than in warmer periods. To compensate and get the most accurate reading, drive 15-20 kilometers, rather than 10, then wait a few minutes before checking the oil level.
Monitor heating and air conditioning
A heater in good working order is, of course, essential to face the winter. There is no question of chattering teeth in your car when the negative temperatures point the tip of their nose! As a bonus, the heating is a key element of your safety: by helping to remove your windshield, it guarantees you good visibility on the road. Less obvious, however: even in winter, remember to run your air conditioning every two weeks for 15 minutes. This will protect the tightness of the air conditioning circuit and not degrade the joints of the piping. One way not to forget the coming summer!
Special tip
Winter is here and your car is frozen over. What to do? Rule # 1: Never use hot water to defrost your windshield. It could explode! Also, forget the wipers until the defrost is complete. Simply turn on your engine and switch the front and rear ventilation to the maximum. Then use your elbow grease to remove the frost with a squeegee. To avoid going through this, there is a simple solution: cover your car with a sheet. This will limit the formation of frost during the night!
The fuel
For cars with diesel engines, starting problems can occur in very low temperatures. By its constitution, diesel is particularly sensitive to cold: paraffin crystals can appear and clog the fuel filter. As a result, the engine is no longer supplied and starting becomes impossible. Even if the diesel fuel on the market is suitable for winter conditions, it is essential to follow a few simple instructions to avoid ending up in a predicament when the time comes:
Avoid parking your vehicle in a place very exposed to the cold and in particular to the wind. The ideal is obviously to park in an enclosed area; if, despite everything, you cannot park your car warm in a parking lot, remember to refuel. The more the tank is filled, the more the cooling of the diesel will be delayed
Finally, if you think you will not be using your vehicle for several days, still try to start it and run the engine for a few minutes.