6 things to remember when taking care of your car in winter
(Baonghean.vn) - Although winter in Vietnam does not drop too low and snow or ice occurs, your car can still be affected and encounter problems. Therefore, take good care and maintenance to keep your car running smoothly and serving you well when winter comes.
1. Frost - the enemy of car paint
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The glossy paint of the car is easily oxidized and peeled off if exposed to salt fog for a long time. If you have to leave your car outside overnight or have to go out a lot during foggy times, remember to wash your car regularly.
In addition, some people also choose to add a layer of polymer to the car for the best protection.
2. Replace windshield wipers
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You should replace your wiper blades about every 6 months, but if you encounter debris, you should replace them sooner. Winter weather can cause the water in your wiper blades to freeze and work less effectively than before. Cleaning and wiping away water from the windshield and wipers every time you take them to the garage is also a way to increase the life of your car.
3. Regularly check the battery
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Batteries tend to perform less reliably in cold weather, especially in older vehicles. Always check your battery before and after each trip to ensure it is in good working order. Alternators and wiring should also be checked to ensure they are in good condition.
4. Check the vehicle's lighting and electrical systems
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Due to the winter weather, fog or drizzle limits the driver's visibility. Therefore, the lighting system needs to be checked regularly to ensure normal operation and no trouble when driving on the road.
The electrical plugs on the car are also very susceptible to rust, causing the electrical system to be unstable in winter. They need to be cleaned so that they can make better contact with each other; At the same time, check the wires for breaks by lifting the hood and checking the wiring system yourself at home.
5. Tire maintenance
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In winter, low temperatures cause the air to become “thicker.” This causes air pressure to drop, which naturally causes tire pressure to drop. Typically, when the temperature drops about 12 degrees Celsius, tire pressure will drop about 1 psi.
Drivers should regularly check tire pressure, pay attention to the tire pressure warning light or visually observe the tire condition if the vehicle does not have a tire pressure sensor to promptly detect the tire condition and add more inflation.
6. Engine maintenance
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In winter, low temperatures can cause the lubricating oil in the engine to solidify, combining with dirt to create layers of oil that reduce the efficiency of the oil filter. More importantly, this leads to a reduction in the ability to lubricate the parts inside the engine, this condition, if prolonged, will reduce the life of the parts and friction surfaces.
It is necessary to proactively change engine oil and old oil filters when winter comes to ensure the vehicle engine is well lubricated./.
