Do you wish to get to your destination on time during winter? If yes, ensure that you make a few pre-preparations with respect to your vehicle. The following tips will help you get started in no time:
- The fuel line needs protection– In case the temperature drops and there is water in the fuel line, it will not be long before the fuel line freezes. Once this happens, you may find that fixing the fuel line is troublesome, but not expensive. Instead, pre-prepare your vehicle by adding a fuel additive into the line and fill the tank completely.
- Correct tire pressure– Follow the owner’s manual to have the correct tire pressure for winter. You can keep the pressure high since tires do not expand in winter. You may also have to select a different tread pattern if there is a lot of snow around.
- New engine oil – Engine oil tends to gain viscosity at lower temperatures, which makes it does not flow easily. For effective lubrication, it should have just the right amount of viscosity. Too much thickness can damage the oil pump over time. 5W engine oil is perfectly suited for winter conditions.
- Check power in the batteries– A lot of vehicle batteries lose roughly 50% of charge when the temperature drops. Apart from this, age of the battery and low maintenance levels also diminish its ability to charge itself. If the battery is taking longer than usual to start or you get slow cranks, it may be time to replace it.
- Let the engine idle – Spend a few minutes idling the engine after you have started the car. This will help it get conditioned to the environment outside and thereby run smoothly. Hoses and belts will warm themselves and engine fluids will be able to flow normally. Instead, driving off as soon as you start up could be detrimental. This is because your car’s engine needs a few minutes to acclimate with the outside environment before it can run without problems. Belts and hoses can warm themselves and fluids start to flow.
- Keep a winter supply box handy– There can be times when you are stuck in heavy snow, with nowhere to go. In such a scenario, you may have to spend the night in a nearby lodge or the car, and you should be prepared accordingly. It is important that you have an entire trunk with necessary supplies whenever you leave for a long trip. Supplies such as an additional pair of gloves, change of clothes, a few bags of sand (for traction), mobile chargers, and a working mobile phone.
- Headlights– Visibility can be severely compromised in the falling snow. It is imperative for your vehicle to having strong working headlights. Consider higher output lights for better visibility in the winter.
- Replacement of wiper blades– Most of us do not think of the wiper blades until they start scratching windsheilds. Changing the blades in time will help your vehicle get rid of the cold precipitation in an effective manner.
Apart from these DIY methods, it is important to get your vehicle checked regularly by a trusted service workshop. They may offer you free towing services as well.
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