The mechanics of current cars are prepared to operate between -25 and +45 degrees… but we should not be too confident, since according to a report by the European Automobile Commissioner, the most breakdowns that occur in Spain are recorded in winter, causing problems. Most of them are directly related to low temperatures.
How to avoid unpleasant surprises and problems in winter? Preparing your vehicle for the rigors of winter. All you have to do is follow the indicated maintenance plan by your car manufacturer. But let’s go step by step:
Battery
Does it run out and when the contact is made the car does not respond and no electrical element works? Start the car with a pair of pliers and think about replacing the battery as soon as possible.
Avoid it: To avoid having to change it ahead of time, try don’t leave lights on and that the car sleeps protected from humidity.
Oil
If it is not in good condition or is not suitable for low temperatures, it can almost freeze and become very denser. It is difficult to detect, but you will notice it because the car will have a harder time starting than usual. Don’t accelerate hardand let the engine idle for at least five minutes before starting the journey. Replace the oil with a suitable one.
Avoid it: Use the type of oil indicated by your car manufacturer in the maintenance manual.
Antifreeze
If the coolant contains little antifreeze and, if the temperatures are very lowit freezes. It will increase its volume and the internal parts of the engine, hoses will burst… and the breakdown is expensive.
Avoid it: Replace the liquid, at most, every three years or 60,000 km. Ask at each inspection that they check that the cooling system is in good condition.
Feeding
You turn the ignition and the starter motor makes noise… but it doesn’t start. If you can’t start it even by following the last of the tips on how to start a cold car (pushing it or letting it fall down a slope), don’t repeat it. Can saturate the catalyst with unburned gasoline, and you would damage it.
Avoid it: Normally this is due to a power or ignition failure. With good maintenance it should not happen.
Electronics
Does the engine fail? Some electronic element (a sensor or connection) may have become wet. Normally that dries and that’s it, but if you need to use the car, it is better that you go to a garage to dry it as soon as possible… Maybe the spark plugs throw bad sparksor at an inappropriate time…
Avoid it: With a garage for your car…There is no other way.
Air
Do the crystals They fog up much more easily and they don’t let you see the road?
Avoid it: There is no way to avoid it. It has been ruined. You can roll down the windows from time to time to let the cold air clear…, but you will have to go to the workshop to have repair the ventilation system.
Thermostat
Doesn’t work well and the engine does not reach its normal temperature or does it get too hot? It can cause serious problems in winter, especially.
Avoid it: Changing the thermostat every five years. If it gets hot, the temperature needle will rise higher than normal, stop immediately. If it does not reach its temperature, you can continue… but it will consume up to 20% more.
Gaskets and bodywork
The rubber window gasketsdoors… do they harden and degrade and water ends up leaking into the car? We warn you: it is normal in a car that is more than 10 years old and a recurring problem in winter in older vehicles.
Avoid it: Parking the car in places sheltered from the cold intense and water.
Lights
In winter, conventional light bulbsthey melt more easily? Yes. And the headlights also get dirtier due to mud.
Avoid it: It’s very complicated, but you can learn how to change light bulbs yourself (depends on the car model) and save money at the workshop.
Hand brake
It doesn’t usually happen, but sometimes with low temperatures frost formswhich will cause the brake pads to stick to the brake disc.
Avoid it: You can’t avoid it, but you can get by without spending a euro: Move the car playing with the clutchso that that force breaks the small layer of frost. And that’s it.
