Maintenance and some essential preparations are necessary to get on the road in winter safely. Here is a complete review.
Driving conditions can quickly deteriorate in winter, so the brake system and tires will be stressed quickly, not to mention other equipment or components that will need to be checked.
Although the background checks are necessarily to be done in an auto center, there are however some simple precautions and actions that each driver can apply, in full compliance and without risk.
Prioritize passenger comfort
First of all, traveling by car requires a minimum of comfort for the passengers during the journey, especially during winter. For this, it is essential to check the heating system. It is integrated into the car’s air conditioning system, an element that makes the interior viable and that can be adjusted to the desired temperature according to the outside temperature.
This element is composed of several interdependent components, namely the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator, with the presence of a refrigerant circulating in these elements, as well as particle filters to filter the air before d ‘be diffused in the passenger compartment. Failure of any of these elements can result in an unwanted temperature or even release a harmful gas into the interior of the car.
It is therefore essential to check each element, to detect any leaks in the circuit and, if necessary, to replace the various particle filters, to recycle and recharge the air conditioning circuit to preserve a pleasant atmosphere in the air conditioning system. passenger compartment of the car. If you are in doubt about the condition of your air conditioning system, contact an air conditioning repair garage for possible replacements.
Preserving the efficiency of the car
The efficiency of a car comes from its engine, which is the element most affected by the cold, and the stresses it experiences in winter are not the same as in summer. In cold weather, the engine has more difficulty starting and takes even longer to reach the correct operating temperature.
Check engine oil:
Be sure to add oil suitable for the winter season. When choosing the type of oil, take the viscosity indices into account. Take for example the indication 10W40, where 10 indicates the low temperature viscosity index, the smaller it is, the less viscous it is and the faster it reaches the components to be lubricated in the engine. W stands for “WINTER” (winter) and 40 is the viscosity index when the engine reaches the correct operating temperature or at a higher temperature. Drain the engine if necessary.
Check the condition of the glow plugs (diesel engine):
For efficient starting without starter motor and battery fatigue, check the condition of the engine glow plugs in the case of a diesel engine. It is the element which brings the combustion chamber of the engine to a fairly high temperature during cold starting, allowing the fuel air mixture to ignite in the chamber, and thus facilitating the starting of the engine. In case of failure, it is necessary to replace them in a garage specializing in diesel engines.
Check the condition of the spark plugs (petrol engine):
If the engine is running on gasoline, check the condition of the spark plugs and replace them if they show any abnormal symptoms. You can replace them yourself if you have the necessary tools and a minimum of knowledge. However, you must take note of the part numbers before buying from a seller, so as not to stray from the original part.
Check the condition of the battery:
The other item to watch out for is the car battery. It supplies the various electrical components of the car with electricity and is also essential for starting the engine. It is a good idea to replace it if it shows any sign of weakness during cold starts of the engine. To do this, you must consult a specialist especially when purchasing the battery. The assembly can be done yourself.
Think about your tires
Winter holds surprises on the road, such as patches of ice, or snow covering the road, making the road slippery and making it difficult to drive the vehicle. For that, you have to think about changing the tires. There are types of tires specially designed for winter that allow you to drive on ice or snow in complete safety. It is imperative to equip yourself with it. It is also wise to provide additional equipment for better grip on thick snow by equipping yourself with snow chains or “socks”. It is best to consult a tire specialist and seek advice on the ideal type of tires to fit on the car.
Next, it is essential to check the elements of the vehicle’s lighting system, including headlight bulbs, signal and position lights, for better visibility and so that other drivers can be alerted to your presence on the road. To replace them, it is better to consult a specialist. Doing it yourself is more economical if you have the necessary skills.
Finally, don’t forget to check the wiper blades as their failure results in poor visibility of the road, which can lead to accidents. It is recommended to replace them before winter and periods of heavy rain. This operation can be done easily. You just have to take the references of the brushes so as not to move away from the original part. Moreover, these checks are also essential for a possible technical inspection of the car. [Other details and advice essential to pass the control, available on the site www.autosecuritas.fr]
Every part of the car plays an important role, both for the occupants and for other road users. It is therefore essential to carry out periodic checks. Maintaining your car is the least you can do if you want to avoid breakdowns, but also to protect road safety. Now you are ready to take the road serenely and face winter by car.
(This article is the result of a collaboration with www.autosecuritas.fr)