Use your car properly in winter

(Baonghean.vn) - How to keep the windows from fogging up, how to turn the air conditioner on, and how to inflate the tires are things that drivers need to know when operating a car in the winter.

Start the car properly

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.

For older cars, idling for a while is necessary. However, it doesn’t have to be too long, about 30 seconds is plenty. Some people wait a minute or more, which just wastes more gas and is ineffective.

How to make shiny 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.

As soon as you get in the car, the fastest way to clear the foggy windows is to turn on the windshield heater; if there is no windshield heater, turn on the air conditioner, high wind and choose the mode to blow all the wind on the windows. It will take about a few dozen seconds to a minute for the windows to dry completely, then adjust the wind direction to the cabin, no longer blowing on the windows.

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.

Use lights in fog

Winter always comes with fog, tiny water droplets form a mirror reflecting light, causing the light to shine directly into the driver's eyes. When driving on foggy roads, drivers must turn on the headlights in low beam mode (C) and not high beam mode (A).

If the high beam mode is turned on, the driver will have to face the reflective light strip in figure B, conversely, if the low beam mode is turned on, the reflective light strip is in figure D.

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.

Check the lubricant

Cold winter weather and low ambient temperature make oil prone to sediment and precipitation, affecting the oil's circulation and lubrication ability and clogging the oil filter, so checking the quality of the oil and oil filter helps to increase the life of the parts.

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

Check tire pressure

Many people think that tire pressure only decreases when the temperature increases, however, according to research, even when the ambient temperature drops, tire pressure decreases faster than normal. If tire pressure is low, in addition to wasting fuel, in cold weather it will cause the tire to crack faster.

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.

Choose the right air conditioning temperature

In winter, what temperature should the car be set at? Should it be heated or cooled? According to experts, the temperature should be set at a level that the body feels comfortable, meaning it doesn't need to be warmer than outside, just not feeling cold.

Like winter in Northern Vietnam, the suitable temperature range is about 20 - 26 degrees Celsius. 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 outside, especially for children and the elderly.

Pay attention to battery condition

In cold weather, gasoline evaporates poorly, the lubricating ability of the oil decreases, increasing friction in engine parts, thereby increasing the load on the starter when starting and the engine is more difficult to start, especially for cars using carburetors.

Therefore, the battery must ensure voltage and contacts for easy starting even on low temperature days.

Interior cleaning

Car users often have the notion that the interior does not affect the life of the car. However, this is a misconception. Because dirt and parasitic bacteria on the car interior grow quickly, especially with leather, felt, etc., thereby corroding the inside of the car.

In winter, bacteria and dirt will grow stronger than in summer. This dust causes moldy smell, reduces the aesthetics and durability of the interior, and is harmful to both the car and people. Therefore, in winter, people should clean their cars more often, keep the car dry and airy.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)