What drivers forget about in winter. Top tips for motorists

What should I do to my car before the cold weather arrives? Preparing your car for winter doesn't just end with changing the tyres. Let's talk about what you need to do in the off-season so you don't get caught off guard by winter.

Washer fluid

The first frost at night can freeze the water in the washer tank and deprive the driver of the ability to drive with a clean windscreen. Change from normal water to specialised non-freezing fluid at the same time as the rubber. If the average daily temperature is +5 °C – it's time to change the washer fluid.

Wipers

Wipers, as winter approaches, will need replacing too. In the cold season, the roads are watered with various reagents, which leave streaks on the windscreen. To cope with poor visibility on the road will help to change the wipers for new ones. The best option if they will be designed for winter: with shrouded frame or frameless. When it is frosty or snowing outside, the tape in such wipers remains more mobile, because it adheres well to the surface of the windscreen and its cleaning is much better.

Headlights

The condition of the headlights affects safety when driving on winter roads. In summer headlights are needed more for marking the car on the roadway, but in winter they fulfil their direct purpose – illuminate the track. If the glass is slightly cloudy and no longer transmits light as well as intended by the manufacturer, polish the surface of the headlights. This procedure can be performed by yourself or by driving to the nearest car service centre. There are many options for restoring the proper transparency of headlight glass today. The result of your efforts will be better illumination of the roadway and a comfortable ride on winter roads.

Locks

Central locks are now found in almost every car. It is during the winter season that drivers are most likely to remember that the car can be opened using the central lock. Often, this happens when the battery runs out of power.  To avoid problems with the lock, before the onset of frost, it is necessary to check the performance of this unit. Development and lubrication of the lock interior at plus temperature on the street is easier than if you do the same manipulations in the frost.

Battery

Electrical problems in the car begin when the power wires are not in good contact with the battery terminals. If this situation occurs, the discharging goes on more intensively. The battery gradually loses capacity without charging, but only discharges when the alternator is running. Before the onset of winter, be sure to inspect the battery terminals. They should be cleaned of oxides, treated with grease and crimped. Once a month, try to charge the battery additionally with a battery charger.

To prevent serious breakdowns, you should have regular servicing at a car service centre with modern diagnostic equipment.