From tires to cold: how to prepare a car for the cold season
It is necessary to check the condition of your car before the first frosts, the head of the UGAI GUVD told Radio-Minsk.
It is necessary to check the condition of your car before the first frosts, the head of the Mingory Executive Committee, police colonel Sergey Babich, told Radio-Minsk. Preparing a car for the cold is not just a formal rubber replacement. After all, the state of the car directly affects the safety of all road users, especially when weather conditions deteriorate.
The photo is illustrative in nature
Here is a complete checklist to help you prepare your car for the winter season.
Timely tyre change
First of all, you need to take care of changing the rubber. After all, you can accelerate on any rubber, but slow down - no. Experts advise to change summer tires to winter tires at an average daily temperature of about +7 ° C. The residual tread depth of winter tires must be at least 4 mm.
Checking the braking system
Be sure to check the brake discs and pads. Make sure that the brake mechanisms work properly, the pistons and pads move without distortion, and the anthers are not torn. Otherwise, there is a risk of dangerous drifts on icy or snow-covered surfaces.
Battery and electrician
The battery is a different story. At a temperature of -10 ° C, it loses up to a third of its power. If the battery is more than three years old, check its capacity in the service. The voltage at the terminals should be at least 12.5 V with the engine silenced. Make sure the terminals are not oxidized and securely fixed. Also check the batteries in the remotes and keys - in the cold they discharge faster.
The photo is illustrative in nature
Technical fluids
Before the cold, it is important to check all technical fluids:
- 1.motor oil. It is recommended to switch to low-temperature oil with the appropriate viscosity, such as 0W-30 or 5W-30. You need to change the oil every 7.5-8 thousand km.
- 2.coolant (antifreeze). Check its level and density. Replacement is recommended every four to seven years.
- 3.brake fluid. Check her level and condition.
- 4.washing fluid. Be sure to fill in a quality “freezing”.
Heating and glass blowing system
Check the stove. For about 10 minutes of its work at medium intensity, the cabin should become warm. The blowing system must work properly so that the glass does not fog.
Windshield wipers (“janitors”) and light
Make sure that wiper brushes are serviceable and their rubber bands are elastic. Replace them if necessary. Check all lights and lamps – they should be in working condition. Adjust the headlights: in winter, quality lighting is especially important. Also clean their glass – in winter, lighting devices quickly become covered with a layer of dirt.
The photo is illustrative in nature
Body and reagent protection
Before winter, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the car, including the bottom and wheel arches. Treat the body with an anticorrosive composition - this will help prevent the appearance of rust and microcracks under the influence of salt and reagents.
Locks and seals
Lubricate the gums of the doors with silicone lubrication - this will prevent the doors from freezing. Treat the locks with special means from freezing.
What to keep in the trunk
In addition to the technical readiness of the car, S. Babich advises to keep in the trunk in the autumn-winter period:
- 1.towing rope;
- 2.emergency stop sign;
- 3.retroreflective vest.
In addition, experts recommend taking with you wires for “lighting”, a shovel, a charged phone with an additional battery, warm gloves and plaid, as well as a winter aerosol start for the engine - it can be useful in severe frost.
