Severe weather conditions can take a toll on your car. Be it monsoon, summer or winter, your car needs proper care to ensure that it remains in tip-top condition. This article offers in-depth tips on winter maintenance for your car to keep it running smoothly in cold weather.
Important Tips for Maintaining Your Car in Winter
Winters can be harsh in some parts of India, making it essential to take proper steps to prepare your car for the season. This can extend the life of your vehicle and potentially reduce maintenance or repair costs. Here's how you can achieve it.
- Check your car's headlights
During the winter season, the sun sets early in the day, which means there is less daylight. Therefore, you will want to ensure that your car's lights are operating at their optimal level. If the car lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, and backup lights) are not working, have them checked and replaced.
- Maintaining your car battery
Your car battery may have a harder time functioning in cold weather than in hot weather. A weak battery may work in hot weather, but it may fail during the winter season. Before a long trip, have the battery checked to make sure it is in good working order. If it needs to be replaced, make sure you do it immediately so you don't end up stranded on the road.
- Drain and refill with engine oil/coolant
Simply topping up the engine oil or coolant may not be the answer if you have used them for a long time without changing them. It is recommended to consider using a lighter engine oil suitable for cold weather conditions. Check the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended temperature ranges and fill the engine oil and coolant accordingly.
- Check the condition of the windshield wipers
Windshield wipers play an important role in cold weather, but their lifespan is not very long. If there are visible cracks or damage, it is best to replace them with new wiper blades.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks
The car windshield is an essential component of the vehicle. It helps prevent wind, rain, fog or snow from entering the cabin. Therefore, carry out a careful check for possible cracks or water infiltration. During cold weather, fog, mist or frost can build up on the car's windshield, obstructing your view of the road ahead. You can solve this problem by balancing the temperature inside and outside the vehicle using the air conditioning system or defroster.
- Test defrosting and air conditioning
The defroster prevents your car windows from freezing or fogging up, while the air conditioning system maintains a pleasant temperature inside the vehicle. Make sure both are in good working order and make necessary repairs or replacements if necessary.
- Check tire pressure and tread depth
Tires are the first point of contact between the car and the road surface. They require regular maintenance, especially during the winter season. Check the tire pressure and make sure it is within the prescribed limits. Additionally, check tire tread depth for wear, and replace tires if necessary.
- Warm up your car engine
Among the simplest methods to take care of your car in winter in cold weather is to warm up your car engine. This allows the engine oil to coat every nook and cranny of the engine. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm it up and allow it to perform at its optimal level. This also helps reduce engine wear.
- Check the brakes
In wet weather, roads can become slippery; therefore it is essential to have good brakes to avoid accidents. Check the brake pads and rotors for wear and replace them if necessary.
10 . Renew your car insurance
Repairing damage to your car caused by winter conditions can be costly. It is wise to maintain car insurance at all times to mitigate financial losses in such circumstances. You can renew your car insurance instantly through our online platforms, such as our website or mobile app. Just scroll to the top of this page, complete the car insurance online renewal process and get the policy document instantly.
Be ready !
Nothing is more useful than being well prepared before hitting the road in winter conditions. Here are some tips for traveling in winter:
Check current weather conditions and forecasts online, and plan your route accordingly.
Pack warm clothing in your car, including gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks, hand and foot warmers, and blankets.
Make sure you have any medications you might need on long trips, as well as a first aid kit.
Adding jumper cables to your essentials can help you with a dead battery.
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