Friday, March 29, 2024

Winter Car Care Tips | Top Winter Driving Tips

Driving during winter in India can be challenging. Here are some tips that will help make your drive safe and comfortable during the winter.

In India, the weather becomes pleasant in some areas during the winter months, but in others, it has a variety of effects on daily living. The significant shift in the weather necessitates a few extra precautions to keep your vehicle safe. Continue reading to learn how to drive safely and comfortably during winter.

Winter Car Care Tips

The most basic of requirements is that your vehicle be well-maintained. Regularly service it, and don’t scrimp on replacing parts that show signs of excessive wear and tear. This will lessen the likelihood of a car breakdown.

To guarantee good visibility, clean all windows, wing mirrors, and all light units (headlights, taillights, fog lamps, and others) with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water because the temperature difference may cause glass to break. Remove any snow that has formed on the roof in regions where snowfall is widespread so that it does not slide into the windscreen and impair visibility while driving.

1. Give the electricals a check

All of the lights, both outside and inside the vehicle, should be turned on. The climate control system should work properly to keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature. To maintain the windscreen clear of snow and debris, the wiper blades should be replaced as needed and the motor serviced. A full tank of the proper mixture of water and washer fluid is an adjunct to keeping your wipers working.

2. Inspect the engine

Cold weather can wreak havoc on a battery’s functionality and make it difficult to start the car. If the battery is old, replace it and inspect all of the wires and leads. Because lower temperatures can clog fluids, the engine oil and coolant should be checked and changed if necessary.

3. Brakes require a once-over

In rainy or snowy circumstances, stopping distances might be affected, so have your brakes cleaned and serviced. If necessary, inspect and replace the brake pads, as well as clean and lubricate the brake callipers.

4. Monitor the tyres

Make sure your tyres are not just in good shape (with appropriate tread and no cuts or bubbles), but also that they are properly filled. When driving in slick conditions, an overinflated tyre increases the risk of skidding, while an underinflated tyre will not give appropriate grip. Consider upgrading to winter tyres or snow tyres, or even using snow chains; practise putting these on the tyres so you don’t become flustered when you really need them.

Winter Driving Basics

It’s difficult to drive in slick circumstances, which can be produced by ice, water, debris, or an accident. It’s important to remember to use caution when using the accelerator, brake, and steering to avoid losing control.

The first thing to do if your automobile skids on a rough patch is to be cool and look where you want to go. Then, to straighten the automobile, steer in the direction of the skid; for example, if the rear end steps out to the right, turn the steering to the right.

When starting from a stop, accelerate slowly and avoid revving the engine in lower ratios because traction is less than ideal. You might also explore starting in a higher gear, such as second, if your automobile has enough torque, but be careful not to harm your clutch. Winter/snow mode is available on some automatic gearboxes, which starts the car in a higher gear to reduce tyre spin. Some cars also include winter/snow engine modes, which reduce torque and gradually increase power.

Avoid abruptly changing directions, slowing down, or speeding up in the middle of a turn. Instead, brake well before of the turn and accelerate once you’ve passed through it.

Fog is created by cold weather, and driving through it necessitates modifications. Reduce your speed and utilise your fog lamps and low-beam headlights instead of high-beam headlights, which will cause a lot of reflection in the fog and strain your eyes. Keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to provide a cushion in the event of an abrupt stop.

‘Black ice,’ a thin layer of ice that forms over the road due to the melting and re-freezing of water, is also seen in some parts of India. Avoid road surfaces that appear glossy or shiny, even if they are difficult to spot.

Driving downhill on a slick road necessitates maintaining a constant slow speed. Instead of riding the brakes, use them sparingly and rely on engine braking to keep your speed under control. This can be done in a manual by shifting down a gear, and it can also be done in some automatics with manual control. Other than that, there are modes that restrict the auto gearbox from upshifting. Excessive braking or constant feathering of the brake pedal can overheat the system and lead it to fail.

1. Emergency essentials for winter driving 

There are instances when there is no way to avoid a mishap. Mother Nature may be having a bad day, or your car may break down unexpectedly owing to a problem. As a result, it’s a good idea to have some essentials in the car in case the worst happens.

2. Keep warm but get some fresh air too

In the event of a breakdown, having a full tank of gas will be beneficial. While you wait for assistance, you could use the temperature control system to keep warm inside the vehicle. However, do not do it all of the time in a basement, garage/shed, or even out in the open. When an engine is left idling, hazardous and deadly gases such as carbon monoxide can enter the cabin through the HVAC system. You won’t notice you’re being poisoned because the gas is colourless and odourless. If the climate control system fails or you are unable to use it, keep some blankets or warm clothing on hand.

3. Food and water

While you wait for assistance, some nibbles and plenty of water can help. A little food will keep you from becoming dehydrated, and water will keep you from becoming dehydrated.

4. Battery packs and chargers

If your car breaks down and your phone’s battery goes out, you’ll be in a lot of trouble. Keep a spare battery in the car, as well as a fully charged battery pack and a spare charger.

5. Follow COVID protocols

While taking a road trip in the winter might be fun, make sure to follow local COVID-19 standards. With the pandemic’s impacts still present, it’s critical to keep your mask on and maintain social distance.

Do you take any precautions to make your winter drives more pleasant? Share it in the comments with other readers!

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