Winter is approaching and it is essential to prepare our cars to best face this season. Sometimes you just need to focus on very simple details that make all the difference. Let’s find out together how to do a quick and very effective winter check-up!
1 – Tires and brakes: first step of our winter check up
It is certainly the first element to check to travel safely, therefore the first check included in our winter check up. The tires of our cars stick to the ground on a surface that has a very small footprint, on average equal to the size of a credit card. It follows that the condition and quality of the tires must always be our priority.
Let’s check the tread thickness: to get a first quick indication, simply use a 2 euro coin, checking that the thickness of the carving exceeds or is at least equal to the edge of the gold-coloured part of the coin. If we have a gauge available, let’s make sure that the depth of the main tread grooves measures at least 1.6 mm, minimum legal value.
Let’s not forget to monitor the inflation pressure. Let’s always follow the instructions of the manufacturer of our car and remember that correct inflation guarantees better road holding, together with lower wear and consumption. On the market you can find very compact and economical measuring instruments, useful to keep in the car to periodically carry out this check immediately.
Alternatively, it is possible to measure and correct the blood pressure with the little ones portable compressors, very often included on board the car as part of the inflate and repair kit. For those who really don’t want to carry out this operation themselves, the option remains contact a professional: it could be an excellent opportunity to get a reliable opinion on the real conditions of our tyres.
The same goes for the brakes: monitor wear of discs and pads and possibly intervening in time can make the difference between avoiding an obstacle or run into unpleasant accidents. Although these are general rules valid in every season, let’s keep them even more in mind in winter when low temperatures, humidity, snow and ice put our cars to the greatest test!
Too often, in fact, we tend to consider certain components as “immortal”, but obviously this is not the case at all. Driving style and kilometers travelled they certainly influence their lifespan but sooner or later we will still have to proceed with their replacement or rectification.
2 – Glass and windshield wipers: let’s not neglect them!
Let’s carefully check the windows of our car, especially the windshield. Cracks or chips they do not get along at all with the strong winter temperature changes: carrying out the repairs in time (obviously when the case allows it) can make save a lot of money. Furthermore, let’s not forget that driving with a damaged windshield exposes us to the risk of heavy fines (from 87 to 344 euros) with a relative reduction of 2 driving license points.
We check the condition of the windshield wipers: the rubber blades must be soft and must not have tears, missing parts or abrasions. The wipers are in fact essential to guarantee us the best possible visibility. It goes without saying that if they are not in good condition they will not do their job well and will often even produce a rather annoying noise due to rubbing on the windscreen: better replace them! It would be unwise to deprive ourselves of a good view on humid or rainy days, given the cost is not exorbitant of a replacement.
Let’s remember then always keep the windows clean, particularly internally. It might seem trivial but the accumulation of dirt on the internal surface of the crystals makes fogging much faster and more persistent. The solution? Old elbow grease and a good cleaner. Externally we can use, when appropriate, the de-icing spray: we will avoid wasting time with spatulas and other uncomfortable remedies. We absolutely NEVER use hot or boiling water to speed up the process, otherwise the crystals will break.
3 – Liquids: let’s check them carefully
During the winter check up we never forget to check the fluid levels of our car. Engine oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid and windshield wipers they are essential for our safety and for the reliability of the vehicle. Let’s make sure that these are suitable for low temperatures (now practically only those are used) and possibly we will top up or replace it. In case we are not very practical, we always ask for help from a professional who can guarantee the correctness of the operation.
Let’s not neglect, as too often happens, top up the windshield washer fluid. Many motorists neglect it but it can make the difference in guaranteeing good visibility, cleaning the glass and preventing the formation of ice or dirt encrustations.
Extra tip: if we have made a “joint” with water in the radiator or windshield wiper fluid, we proceed with the complete replacement. A tall one percentage of water in the liquids of our car can lead to freezing resulting in disastrous damage. Needless to say that tap water should never, ever be used: if we really have to, we only temporarily use distilled water, which does not contain limestone and mineral deposits.
4 – Battery: a winter check-up classic
Who has never been left stranded because of a “temperamental” battery? The beginning of winter, together with spring, are the periods in which worn batteries fail more easily, due to significant change in temperature. How to avoid finding yourself on the street? Easy, We periodically check the voltage of our battery, making sure it always remains tra i 12.4 and i 13 Volt. If the value is lower we do not hesitate to replace it: very often the failures are sudden, without giving any type of signal that can help us prevent them.
If we do not feel confident in performing these operations, Let’s get help from a professional. The mechanics have special equipment which, in addition to analyzing all the parameters of the battery, also evaluates the condition of the alternator and thethe vehicle’s electrical system. If, however, we want to proceed independently, we pay close attention to choosing the right type of battery, respecting the correct amperage. Charge maintainers should only be considered if we use the car very rarely.
5 – Headlights, lights and bulbs: let’s see clearly!
Lighting is a fundamental part of our car. If the bulbs give little light or are too old we opt to replace them with a good quality replacement: It’s money spent very wisely! In fact, even light bulbs lose their efficiency over the years, furthermore large manufacturers continually present them more powerful and durable models. But let’s remember to use only approved products: almost all the famous LED kits are not up to standard and we could incur fines or other measures from the police. A separate discussion for cars equipped with LED lighting as standard: in that case only one is needed visual check of their correct functioning.
Obviously it is essential that the transparent plastic parts of our headlights are also in good condition. If they show up yellowed or “frosted” there are not many alternatives: unfortunately, the main road is the replacement. A valid alternative could be the professional restoration, a service that many body shops also offer today and which includes a final painting with a new transparent protective layer. DIY restoration kits can be fine, but only if we want to “get by” a little longer. All other solutions are just a waste of timelet’s leave them to the imaginative creators of like-catching videos!
Finally, during our winter check up let’s not forget to check that all the lights of our vehicle are working, including the side turn signals, rear fog lights, fog lights and reversing lights. In this case we can easily do it ourselves but obviously it is very practical to get help from a person who is outside the car.
6 – Safety equipment: to travel safely and in order
We check that we have on board all the safety equipment required by the Highway Code: our peace of mind and we will avoid incurring sanctions. Winter tires or chains (we talk about them in detail in this guide), warning triangle and reflective vest are things that should never be missing inside our car.
It is advisable to also have a inflate and repair kit, a practical and quick remedy in case of small punctures. If we already have one, let’s remember check the expiry date imprinted on the can. Some replacement bulb (of the right type!) can be very useful: let’s remember, however, that not all cars offer an easy replacement. If we don’t feel safe or if the operation is too laborious to be carried out on the roadside, we don’t improvise let’s get help.
7 – Winter check up: general conditions of the vehicle
This is valid advice not only in winter: let’s keep our car in the best possible mechanical conditions and in any case at a level that is compatible with what is required by current traffic regulations. The car is an extremely complex object and the objective analysis of its state of health it’s not always so easy and immediate.
As usual, if we are very expert (or if we know someone who is) we proceed independently, albeit with all the necessary precautions and consulting a professional for any doubts. Otherwise, let’s turn to a car repairer for a check up completoperhaps on the occasion of the annual service.
If problems relating to fundamental components for safety let’s not always take it for granted that the mechanic on duty wants to “rip” us. If we are really not convinced, we ask for a second opinion and then we carry out repairs promptly.
Finally, let’s remember that saving and doing it yourself are always welcome, but only when they are applied with criteria and awareness. The fundamental components of our car are the only ones that protect us from situations of serious risk and danger. A good winter check-up can therefore make the difference in identifying problems in time that should not be overlooked: let’s remember this, our life is at stake!
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