How to use a car in the cold winter?

How to clear foggy windshield?

When driving in winter, the low temperature on the windshield causes the water vapor inside the car to condense on the inside of the windshield, causing fogging. The principle for the windshield to stop fogging is to release this water, which will be solved simply when using the air conditioner, ie AC ON.

Many drivers argue about whether using hot or cold air conditioning will help the car's windshield to clear up in the winter, but in fact, hot or cold is fine. As soon as you get into the car, the fastest way to clear the fog is to turn on the windshield heater or, if there is no windshield heater, turn on the air conditioning, high wind and select the mode to blow all the wind on the windshield.

After a few dozen seconds to a minute, the glass will be completely dry. Then adjust the wind direction to the cabin, not blowing on the glass anymore. At this time, turn on the air conditioner, hot or cold, as long as the people in the car feel comfortable, the glass will not fog up anymore.

What is the appropriate temperature for air conditioning?

Many drivers wonder what temperature they should set in the car in the winter when it is very cold, should it be heated or cooled? According to car experts, the temperature should be set to a comfortable temperature for the body, meaning it does not need to be warmer than outside, just not feeling cold.

Like winter in northern Vietnam, the suitable temperature range is about 20-26 degrees. Before getting out of the car, you should turn off the air conditioner or reduce the temperature to help your body adapt, avoiding heat shock when going out, especially for children and the elderly.

Which lights should be turned on in fog?

Winter often comes with fog; tiny water droplets form a mirror reflecting light, causing headlights to shine directly into the driver's eyes.

When driving in fog, drivers must turn on their headlights in low beam mode (C) and not high beam mode (A).

If the car has fog lights, turn on the fog lights. It is necessary to turn on the hazard lights so that the cars in front and behind can easily see.

If the car does not have fog lights, the driver should buy yellow tape or paper to stick on the outside of the headlights to convert white light into yellow light. Yellow light has a short wavelength so it can diffuse far.

Should I change my oil at the beginning of winter?

If the car has had an oil change recently, there is no need to change it, but if it has been a long time since the oil change, you should check the quality of the engine oil and change it even if it is not yet time. The low temperature in winter can make fluids such as engine oil thicker, affecting the ability to start the engine. Therefore, it is best to change the oil at the beginning of the season for the best quality.

In addition to engine oil, drivers should also check coolant, windshield washer fluid... and other fluids in the vehicle.

How to inflate tires in winter?

The safety principle is to inflate lightly in summer and properly in winter. For example: a tire needs 2.2 kg/cm2, so in summer it only needs to be inflated to 2 kg/cm2 and in winter it needs to be inflated to 2.2 kg/cm2... In winter, the tire surface can shrink, so if there is not enough air to inflate the tire, the surface will crack when the temperature heats up again.

Should I idle for a while before setting off?

With today's cars, it is not necessary because with the current quality of engine oil as well as the modern electronic fuel injection system, the car can start immediately and warm up after starting the engine. After the engine revs up when first starting, wait about 10-20 seconds for the engine speed to stabilize before you can roll.

With older cars, it is necessary to let the car idle for a while. However, it does not need to be too long, just about 30 seconds is enough. Some people wait 1 minute or more, which only wastes more gas and is not effective.

Ngoc Anh