Winter is knocking on the door. Extreme weather conditions can affect your vehicle. No matter it's summer, monsoon or winter, your car needs good care to ensure that it stays in top condition and performs at an optimum level. In India, especially in the northern part of the country, winter brings harsh weather conditions. In fact, winters can be harsh in certain parts of the country. Therefore, it is necessary to take the appropriate steps to prepare the car for the season. This not only extends the life of the vehicle, but also reduces the cost of maintenance or repair. Here are some simple and useful tips to take care of your car during the winter.
Check the car headlights
The sun sets early during the winter. This means less daylight and more use of the car's lights. It is advisable to ensure that the lights are in perfect working condition. So please check your car lights like headlights, taillights, turn indicators and reversing headlights to see if they are working properly. If you find that it is not working properly, replace it.
Inspect and refill the engine oil
If you have been using your engine oil or coolant for a long time without changing it, it may be time to replace it rather than refill it. It is suggested to use a lighter engine oil suitable for cold weather conditions. You can find the suggestion in the manufacturer's manual. The manual usually mentions recommended temperature ranges, and you can follow these to fill in your engine oil and coolant accordingly.
Make sure the battery is in good condition
The car battery takes a heavy toll when working in cold weather conditions. It becomes more difficult to place the battery in cold weather conditions than in hot weather. A weak car battery may run during hot weather, but it may run out during the winter. This would lead to a big problem for you. Therefore, it is always suggested that before choosing a long trip, the car battery should be checked to ensure that it is in perfect working condition. In the event that it needs to be replaced, be sure to do it immediately so as not to get stuck on the road during a long trip.
Check the windshield and wipers
The windshield is an integral part of the car. This helps prevent wind, rain, fog or snow from entering the cabin. Be sure to perform a thorough inspection to identify any cracks or water leaks in the windshield. During cold weather, these cracks can become a problem due to the buildup of fog or frost. This would make it difficult for the driver to see the road ahead. It can be solved by balancing the vehicle's interior and exterior temperature through a climate control system or defogger. But it is always advisable to make sure that the windshield is in perfect condition. Windshield wipers also play an important role in cold conditions. It is one of the most exposed components of the car. Therefore, its service life is not long. Always inspect the wiper blades for cracks, wear, or visible damage. If there is any visible damage, it is best to replace it.
Check the brakes and tyre
In any road condition, brakes can be a lifesaver. Hence, you should always focus on having good brakes that will help you avoid road mishaps. Inspect the brake pads and discs for wear. If necessary, have a professional mechanic replace it immediately. Also, make sure the tyres are in very good condition. Tyres are the first point of contact between the vehicle and the road surface. They require regular maintenance, especially in winter. Tyres must be in good condition to ensure they have enough grip to handle snowy or icy roads. Check tyre pressures and make sure they are within the prescribed limits. The depth of the tire should also be checked for wear. If necessary, be sure to replace the tyres.
How to take care of your car during winter
Step 1:
Check the car headlights
Step 2:
Check and fill in engine oil.
Step 3:
Make sure the battery is in good condition
Step 4:
Check the windshield and wipersx
Step 5:
Check the brakes and tyres.
Also Read: Why has the government made high security registration plates mandatory
