Winter conditions are the cause of many car breakdowns, but most breakdowns can be prevented by properly preparing the car for the onset of cold weather. Preparing the car for winter is not particularly difficult. Among other things, you need to add new windscreen washer fluid, check the tire inflation pressure and fill the tank full of fuel. With these simple precautions, you will be able to drive safely on snow and ice, and your car will be in top working condition throughout the winter. For detailed instructions on preparing your machine for winter, go to Step 1.

Steps

Outdoor preparation

Replace wipers and add fluid. Driving in poor visibility conditions is extremely dangerous (especially in winter), therefore it is important to ensure that the wipers are working properly.

Check the inflation pressure of all tires. It is very important to maintain the correct tire pressure during the winter months. Flat tires have poorer road grip, which increases the likelihood of slipping on icy surfaces.

• You should be aware that the tire pressure is influenced by the ambient temperature - for every 8 degrees Celsius temperature drop, the tire pressure drops by about 0.1 bar. Thus, it is very important to monitor the tire pressure in winter.
• A tire pressure gauge is used to check the pressure. If you are unsure of the correct pressure for your car, look for the various pressure decals on the inside edge of the door frame on the driver's side.
• If you don't have a pressure gauge, you can always find one at the nearest gas station, where you can also pump up your tires. Typically, this service is provided free of charge or at a negligible cost.
• When checking the inflation pressure of your tires, do not forget to also check their wear. If replacement or rearrangement is required, then it is better to resolve this issue before the onset of cold weather.

1. Cover the car with wax. A waxed surface repels snow, dirt and salt much better than a non-waxed one. This will improve the look of your car and protect your paint.

   Check the headlights. As stated above, good visibility is very important, especially on dark winter evenings.

   • It is not only important that you have a good view of the road, it is also necessary that saw you... That is why it is so important to check the performance of the headlights.
   • Ask someone to help you test the operation of all external lights - front and rear lights, reversing lights, and warning lights (including emergency).
   • In winter, daylight hours are shorter and darker, so the load from the lighting fixtures on the car's electrical system will increase significantly. Don't forget this and check your battery.

   Mechanical checks

   1. Changing the engine oil. With winter approaching, the engine oil should be checked and replaced if necessary.

      Check belts and hoses. In addition to general physical wear and tear, belts and hoses are especially vulnerable in cold weather.

      Replace the old coolant with a frost resistant one. It is imperative that the correct ratio of antifreeze to water is in the engine before the onset of the winter cold. Otherwise, the coolant can freeze, causing the engine to overheat and puncture the gasket.

   2. Check the operation of the four-wheel drive. If your car has four-wheel drive, then it is worth checking this function, especially if it has not been used since the previous winter.

      • Have an experienced mechanic check the 4WD operation, smooth engagement and disengagement, and transmission fluid level.
      • At this stage, you (and the rest of the family) need to remember how the system works and the conditions under which it should be used. All-wheel drive can improve tire grip on snowy or icy surfaces, thereby reducing the likelihood of getting stuck somewhere.
      • All-wheel drive does not mean you can drive faster or less carefully than usual in adverse weather conditions.

   3. Check the battery. It is very important that the battery remains in good working order before winter - in cold weather it takes longer to generate the required power and more current from the battery is required to start the engine. If your battery is in poor condition, then it will not cope with these increased requirements, and you will not be able to start the car.

      • Keep an eye on the age of your battery - they usually last 3 to 5 years, so replace them promptly. A workshop mechanic can perform a load test on the battery to determine if it is worth replacing.
      • Even if there is no need for replacement, at least a cursory visual inspection should be carried out to ensure that pins and connections are not corroded and that the cables are worn out.
      • You also need to check the electrolyte level by unscrewing the caps at the top of the battery. If the liquid level is low, you can add distilled water to it. Be careful not to add too much.

   4. Check heater and defroster. The heater and de-icer provide good visibility and driving comfort, so be sure to check that they are working properly.

      • De-icer helps to remove condensation from the inside of the windshield by using a jet of warm, dry air. In the event of a malfunction, the windows may fog up and visibility will be significantly impaired. Always check that the de-icer is working properly. If the windows continue to fog up, then the doors and windows should be checked for leaks - moisture can penetrate into the passenger compartment along with the air.
      • During the cold season, you will surely notice if your heater will not work. It should be repaired as soon as possible. It may be necessary to replace the heating coil - it is not cheap, but in cold conditions, every penny spent will pay off in full.
      • It's not only about your comfort, but also about your safety. The colder it is in the cabin, the lower your ability to drive and focus on the road. A working heater can save your life if you suddenly get stuck on an impassable stretch of road.

   Ready at any time

   1. The spare wheel must be in good working order. Always bring a spare wheel with you during inclement weather.

      • Periodically check the condition of the spare wheel - there are punctures in the tire, you are unlikely to be pleased with the unsuitability of the spare wheel!
      • Make sure that you always have a working jack, keys and a wheel lock in the car. All family members need to know where these tools are.

   2. The tank must always be at least half full. If the tank is at least half full, then the likelihood of freezing of the fuel supply pipelines is significantly reduced.

      • This happens when condensation forms on the walls of an almost empty fuel tank, turns into water, flows down and freezes.
      • In addition to preventing the possibility of freezing, a half full tank reduces the likelihood of getting stuck in the middle of the road when you run out of fuel.

   3. Assemble your emergency kit and store it in your trunk. Such a kit will be extremely useful in the event of a breakdown when you find yourself in the middle of the road in cold weather.

      • The kit should include the following: boots, gloves, hats, woolen blankets, ice chisel, de-icer, flashlight, salt or cat litter, battery charging cable, first aid kit, flares, containers of coolant and windshield washer fluid, and radio.
      • You can also take non-perishable food (unsalted nuts in a jar and dried fruit) and a bottle of water. Even if the water freezes, you can thaw it or eat ice to quench your thirst.
      • Also, the car should always have a phone charger.

   4. Put on winter tires. If there is snow and ice in your area all winter long, then winter tires should be used instead of summer tires in cold weather.

      • Winter tires are softer and more flexible than conventional tires, they have a different tread shape, which increases traction on snowy or icy surfaces.
      • Alternatively, you can store a set of wheel chains in the boot for driving on snow-covered roads. This kit is especially useful in mountainous areas.
      • You can also have a special padded mat with you to help you get out if you get stuck in deep snow.

   5. What to do if you get stuck. Despite all the efforts to prepare the car for winter, sometimes the unpredictable can happen and you still get stuck on the road. In this case, you need to know exactly what to do in order not to freeze and stay safe.

      • At first, never do not leave your car if you do not know where you are and how long you need to walk to find help. If you are unsure of your location, light the warning lights on the sides of your car to get attention.
      • Try to stay warm with all available clothing and blankets (woolen is the warmest). If there is gas in the tank, turn on the heater for ten minutes every hour to maintain the temperature in the passenger compartment (if you are sure that the fuel line is not clogged).
      • Despite the cold, one of the windows should be slightly open so that heavy snowfall or ice does not block you inside.
      • Quench your thirst with water or ice and suck on hard candy to keep your mouth dry.
   • In the snowy winter time, it is recommended to have a container of salt in the trunk. If the wheels get stuck in the snow, the salt poured in front of them will improve traction.

If you have a car with high mileage, be sure to look into the expansion tank of the cooling system before the winter season. The cloudy or brown antifreeze must be drained, the system must be flushed and a new composition must be refilled. This procedure involves removing air locks, and it is better to carry it out at a service station.

Transmission and chassis

In automatic transmissions equipped with dipsticks, it is worth checking the oil level (this must be done with the engine running). Think back to the last time you changed your oil. If the car has passed more than 60,000 km and the oil is still "factory", change it without hesitation. And at the same time ask the mechanics to inspect the drive wheel drives, hinges with anthers and shock absorbers: everything should be intact and not have oil stains.

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, which you drive hunting and fishing in summer, often wade rivers or just frolic on the road, you need to pay special attention to viewing from below. And be sure to change the oil in the cross-axle gearboxes: it is very likely that instead of lubrication there is a water emulsion.

Tires and rims

Keep in mind: there are no all-season tires for the central regions of our country and cannot be. That is, in winter you need to ride on winter tires: studded or friction. If there is a suitable place for storing wheels, it is better to buy winter tires immediately with disks, so as not to mess with tire fitting every time. When installing assembled wheels, only check the balancing weights - they should be in place. If you did not manage to change the shoes of the car and suddenly froze, remember that it is better to go to work in a crowded minibus than to get into an accident due to tires.

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How to properly prepare your car for winter?

Winter, as you know, is not the most favorable time for motorists. To use your car without problems, without experiencing a number of difficulties, you need to seriously prepare for extreme conditions.

Choice of rubber - studded or non-studded?

Preparing for winter is primarily associated with the transition to winter tires. We have already written about the best studded tires in 2013-14. There are also a wide variety of cheaper options available. In addition, a large number of non-studded winter tires are sold. Which one to choose? When choosing between studded and non-studded tires, experts advise paying attention to a number of factors:

• Studded rubber provides excellent grip on ice and tightly packed snow;
• non-studded suitable for driving on asphalt and slush, the tread with a large number of cups and velcro - sipes - provides stability on roads covered with snow, as well as the removal of moisture and dirt;
• with studded tires, you need to drive very carefully on bare asphalt; with sharp braking, the spikes can simply pull out, besides, the spikes will clatter on the asphalt and the likelihood of skidding increases.

Hence the conclusion: beginners are advised to install studded tires, but experienced drivers choose depending on where they mainly drive - in urban conditions, studless tires are quite suitable. Although, this question is controversial and causes a lot of controversy.

The only thing that experts do not advise is to buy an all-season, because it is inferior to summer tires in summer and winter in winter.

Replacement of process fluids

A frequent problem that drivers face with the onset of the first cold weather is frozen fluid in the washer reservoir... In winter, the windshield often needs to be cleaned, because all the slush and dirt fly towards it, and besides, wet snow sticks. It is also necessary to check the condition of the wiper blades, they are recommended to be changed every six months or a year. It is best to choose an expensive brand of windshield washer fluid and dilute in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

The most popular product in winter is antifreeze or antifreeze... Without this fluid, normal operation of the engine is impossible - in summer it does not allow it to overheat, and in winter it does not overcool. Buying antifreeze of well-known brands, you free yourself from the need to properly dilute it, while antifreeze needs to be diluted in a certain proportion.

Automakers indicate which type of antifreeze is compatible with the engine cooling system - red, yellow, green.

It is also necessary check the viscosity of the engine oil... Since in our conditions all types of engine oil are all-season, there is no need to replace, however, for engines that have spent most of their resource, the transition, for example, from 10W-40 to 5W-40 can have a positive effect on work - it will start better when low temperatures. But there is one "BUT", the transition from one viscosity to another is an additional load on the engine, therefore it is recommended to replace it in advance, before the onset of cold weather, so that the engine gets used to this oil.

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It should be noted that low temperatures have a very negative effect on diesel and injection engines. Diesel is generally a "sore subject", since diesel fuel becomes viscous in the cold, and it will be much more difficult for the starter to crank the crankshaft on thickened engine oil, so switching to a less viscous winter oil is a good solution to the cold start problem.

It is also necessary to check all other types of lubricants and fluids: brake fluid (Rosa, Neva, Dot-3 or 4), transmission oils in the box, power steering fluid. That is, the eve of winter is a great time for a complete revision of the condition of your car.

Battery

The battery runs out faster in cold weather, especially if you leave the car in an open-air parking lot. Before the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to check the condition of the battery. Its service life on average ranges from 3-5 years. If you see that the battery is already out of date, then it is better to replace it in the fall, while there is no such excitement and prices do not jump up sharply.

If the battery is still fully functional, then check the density and level of the electrolyte - provided that the battery is serviced or semi-serviced. You need to unscrew the plugs with an ordinary coin, or remove the top cover and look into the holes, the plates should be evenly covered with electrolyte, there is also a special plate indicating the level. Top up with distilled water if necessary.

You also need to check the terminals for white salt build-up and traces of corrosion, all this must be cleaned and removed with a solution of salt or soda, sandpaper.

If possible, then in winter the battery can be removed and brought into the heat - 45 or "sixty" do not weigh so much.

The driver also needs to take care of the paintwork and protection against corrosion, for this you can use various polishes or films. To prevent excess moisture from collecting in the cabin, check the condition of the air conditioner, replace the cabin filter. See if the stove, heated windshield and rear-view mirrors are working well. Well prepared, you can get through the winter without too much trouble.

We offer you to watch a video from a professional on preparing a car for use in the winter season.

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Good afternoon, dear reader.

This article will discuss how to prepare your car for use during the cold season. The above information is primarily intended for novice drivers, for whom the coming winter will be the first in their careers. Nevertheless, I recommend that all drivers read the article.

Preparing the car for winter depends, firstly, from the state of the car itself... If the car is new and the owner is watching it, then the risk of problems is minimal. On the other hand, a hand-bought used car can present unexpected surprises, so its preparation should be taken very carefully.

Secondly, preparation depends on the place of use of the vehicle... If the owner lives in a large city, then he almost does not risk anything. If the car breaks down, you can call a taxi, a tow truck or rescuers. There are no problems with this in cities. The situation is quite different if the machine is often operated away from settlements. In the "remote corners" of help in the cold, you can not wait, so a well-prepared car can preserve the health and life of the driver.

Here are some tips to help you get your car ready for winter. Let's get started.

First of all, we will consider the stages of preparation that are necessary for all drivers. Including those who operate cars without much risk.

Installation of winter tires

Replacing the washer fluid with an anti-freeze fluid

As soon as the temperature outside approaches 0 degrees, the washer fluid should be replaced with an anti-freeze fluid. To do this, you must first completely clean the washer fluid reservoir from summer fluid. This is pretty easy to do. Sit in the car and press the washer switch. Hold it until all the liquid from the reservoir is on the glass. As soon as water has stopped flowing onto the glass, fill with winter washer fluid.

Please note that at this moment the liquid came out only from the washer reservoir, but some of it could remain in the pipes connecting the washer reservoir and the nozzles. This water also needs to be drained from the system. To do this, after topping up the winter fluid, press the lever that turns on the washer again. As soon as winter liquid has begun to be supplied to the glass (usually it is of a different color), the water supply can be stopped. The same should be done for the rear window washer as well. separate tubes go to it.

What to do if the washer fluid reservoir is frozen?

In this case, one should not despair, this is not the biggest malfunction of the car. There are several ways to solve the problem:

• Underground parking... In large cities there are shopping centers equipped with underground parking lots. Go there, leave your car in the parking lot, and go shopping or go to the movies. In a few hours, the washer reservoir will thaw and the water can be drained. To speed up the procedure, park the car close to the ventilation grilles, which supply warm air to the parking lot.
• Warm garage... The situation is the same as with the underground parking. The only difference is that you have to negotiate with the owner of the garage.
• Warm up the washer reservoir on the battery... The option is not the best, since the tank and pipes will have to be removed from the car. The tanks of many modern cars are installed in such a way that it is, frankly, inconvenient to remove them. In addition, plastic becomes hard and brittle in winter, so the likelihood of damage to the tank or surrounding equipment increases.

I do not recommend trying to warm the tank with an open fire, gas burners, industrial hair dryers, kettles with boiling water. Inaccurate use of the listed funds can lead to failure not only of the tank itself (the plastic can melt), but also of the equipment located in the neighborhood.

Replacing the wiper blades

Wiper blades wear out quickly enough and are not changed for routine maintenance. Therefore, if necessary, the brushes must be changed by yourself.

The service life of brushes usually ranges from six months to two years. It all depends on the frequency of their use.

Broken brushes leave streaks and uncleaned areas of glass during operation.

Accessories for winter use

With the onset of cold weather, you need to return accessories designed for winter to the car. These include:

• Brush for cleaning the car from snow.
• Ice scraper.
• Small (folding) shovel for digging a car out of a snowdrift.

Naturally, accessories designed for the warm season can be removed from the trunk. For example, a sun shade.

Checking the level of technical liquids

To check the level, open the hood and inspect all tanks with technical fluids. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks. The engine oil level is checked using a special dipstick. The marks on it can be in the form of notches or in the form of bends. If necessary, the corresponding fluids should be topped up.

In principle, this is where the preparation for winter can be completed. Modern cars are quite reliable and unpretentious, therefore, they do not cause problems in the cold season, if they are serviced on time (undergo maintenance with the replacement of necessary consumables).

However, if your car was previously operated in unknown conditions (from another owner), you need to complete a few more preparation points.

Replacement of technical fluids of a car

If you have not changed technical fluids after buying a car from a previous owner, then before the onset of cold weather it is high time to do it. In this case, it is not known what is in the tanks, so it is better not to risk it. Moreover, some "craftsmen" dilute technical liquids, including water, in order to save money. With the onset of cold weather, the water will freeze and this will damage the elements of the car.

Battery check - battery

Also, before the onset of cold weather, you should check car battery... The easiest way is to check the battery voltage with a multimeter. Normal voltage value is 12.6 - 12.7 V.

If you find it difficult to check the battery yourself, then you can contact the service with this question. For example, batteries are checked during routine vehicle maintenance using special instruments.

If the battery is defective, it must be replaced.

Any battery in the cold season is discharged faster. In the event of a faulty battery, this will lead to the fact that the car simply will not start.

Planned repairs

If the car has any malfunctions, the repair of which has been postponed by the owner for the future, then they should also be dealt with before the onset of cold weather.

For example, if during operation the driver noticed problems with the wiring, then it's time to replace it.

Additional accessories for winter use

Above has already been given a list of accessories for the cold season, but for operation in "difficult" conditions, it must be supplemented with the following items:

• Fuse kit... A set of spare fuses costs around 100-200 rubles. Fuses must be selected based on their size (there are several fuse standards) and also based on the ratings available in the vehicle.
• Spare bulbs for headlights... A set of bulbs is selected individually for each car. You must have at least one bulb of each size (for low and high beam, dimensions, daytime running lights, brake lights, reversing light, turn signals).
• Wires for "lighting" the battery(starting wires). If the battery is not new and may suddenly be discharged, then you need to put with you a couple of wires for "lighting" from another car, if necessary.
• Anti-skid chains... If the car is operated in off-road conditions (in deep snow, in the mountains, etc.), then winter tires will not be enough.

In conclusion, I want to note that the main enemies of the car in winter are low temperatures and the condition of the road surface. Low temperatures lead to freezing of fluids, and the condition of the road surface leads to poor traction. However, if you properly prepare for winter operation, most of the possible problems can be avoided.

If you want to supplement the article with your own tips for preparing the car for the cold season, then do it in the comments below.

Good luck on the road!

"And what, it generally needs to be cooked somehow?" - some readers will ask. Yes, you have to. The only question is what exactly your car needs. Modern technology requires less personal care than, for example, the Russian car industry of previous years of release. But, in any case, there are preparation points from which you cannot "leave" even on a brand new, coolest SUV. If you neglect them, winter driving will seem like one big problem to you.

Understanding the basics of preparation will be useful even for those who hide their "swallows" in the cold weather in garages. Especially if the room is not heated and there is a possibility of freezing of technical fluids of the vehicle.

Wheels and tires

Riding on the snow on the same tires as in summer is the same as walking on snowdrifts with flippers - interesting, but inconvenient. Obviously not everyone will like it. And it will definitely not add security.

Let's take a look at everything related to car shoes:

1. First of all, we drop the steepness and buy stamped rims. Casting looks nice, but it carries dirt and snow on itself in winter. Then this mixture hardens and gives such an imbalance on each side that when driving there will be a feeling of "square wheels". This is not an easy test for the car's suspension.
2. Choosing rubber. Immediately discard the option of all-season tires, of course, if you do not live in a warm climate. In the weather conditions of our winters, they are useless. There are two types of tires left: studded and Velcro. When choosing, you need to clearly understand where you are going to drive. Non-studded rubber will do its job only in a well-cleaned city. Since such conditions are more likely dreams than reality, it is better to take a studded one. These tires will "bite" into both drifts and ice, and give you the best flotation.
3. If there are winter wheels from last season, then before putting on the car, inspect their appearance. Check the number of spikes, the condition of the cord and discs, for dents, bumps and cuts. Balancing is desirable.
4. Do not delay changing the rubber. The majority of drivers turn to tire service only with a “kick” of snowfall. Here you have two problems at once: lack of safety on the way to the place of changing shoes and kilometer-long queues of the same short-sighted sufferers. At a constant temperature below +10 degrees, you can already think about replacing tires and sign up for a tire fitting queue.
5. Often, trying to save money, motorists put winter tires only on the drive axle of the car. Remember and never do this! In this case, you will lose control of the car and will not be able to control it even with the slightest maneuvers. For example, if you install good rubber on the front axle, when cornering, the sliding rear of the car will "overtake" the face and spin the car in place. Quite a dangerous "dance" in the city.
6. After installation, check the tire pressure - it should be slightly higher than in summer.
7. According to the latest change in the law, it is imperative to glue the badge with the letter "Ш" on the rear window if the car has studded wheels.
8. To keep summer rubber in shape, you need to know how to store it properly. If you have it on disks, then lay it horizontally (on its side) or leave it hanging. If only the tires themselves are available, they can be stored exclusively in a standing (upright) position.

Engine

If the car is regularly serviced, and the latter was not so long ago, then the following most likely will not be useful to you. But just in case, it is worth checking the entries in the service book, namely the marking of the filled engine oil:

1. In frosts, the oil thickens and not any of its types is able to ensure the operation of the engine. A product not adapted for winter can damage the car. If you don't know exactly what kind of oil is in your car, you should play it safe and fill in a new one. More often recently, synthetics of medium viscosity have been used. Consider carefully the choice of the product - it is best to use the brands recommended by the automakers.
2. The fresher the engine oil is, the less it thickens and the better it does the job.
3. Do not forget about the oil filters - they must also be replaced.
4. Semi-dead candles can cope with their task in summer, but in winter their performance decreases sharply. Have you tried at least once to twist them in a thirty-degree frost on the street? It’s still a “pleasure”. Therefore, take care of this in advance and make a replacement in comfort and warmth.

Battery

Here it is, the Achilles heel of any frozen car. There is no problem in winter more frequent and commonplace than a dead battery. This situation cannot be completely prevented, since in cold weather the battery works at its peak.

But it's worth trying to reduce the likelihood of trouble:

• Don't wait for the battery to "die" by itself. Its average service life is about 3-4 years. Change the battery before winter;
• A dead battery can be revived with a charger, cigarette lighter wires or a hot water bath at home (the body is submerged by a third);
• There are two types of accumulator: serviceable and unattended. In the first case, you can open it, check the electrolyte level, measure the density and voltage. In the second, just clean the terminals and find out the voltage;
• In winter, drivers are often mistaken that the car must be started several times a day if the temperature drops below 20 degrees. The battery hardly charges when the car is stationary! But a lot of energy is spent on turning the frozen units. Frequent planting without further driving consumes the battery, and the next time the charge to start the engine may not be enough.

Body

Modern cars are prepared for the difficult "life" in the winter. They all undergo special treatment against the destructive effects of temperature, dirt and reagents that are watered on the streets. But the owner of an old VAZ, for example, should take care of the safety of body parts and cover them with a protective compound. Otherwise, cracks and rust will manifest themselves very quickly.

1. Rubber seals tan in the cold, freeze, and sometimes crumble. Often, through their fault, it becomes impossible to open a door or window. A simple silicone lubrication procedure will eliminate these problems.
2. Locks also tend to freeze in winter, especially if water gets there before washing the car. Therefore, do not spare grease on them. If, nevertheless, trouble happens, and the car does not want to let you into the salon, heat the key with a lighter and insert it into the lock, if necessary, repeat it several times. This will heat the well and the key will turn.
3. Do not be indifferent to the wipers. They work out most of the service just in the autumn-winter period. If you are going to buy new ones, then buy a better special winter version. They are more elastic and less prone to snow adhesion.

Technical fluids

What exactly should not be forgotten when cold weather sets in is about replacing the water in the car with an anti-freeze liquid:

1. Freezing of the cooling system poses a serious danger to the engine. Therefore, you must be absolutely sure that antifreeze is poured inside, and not water. Recently, antifreeze began to be used year-round, regardless of the temperature characteristics of the region. Be sure to check, especially if you bought a car not so long ago, whether there is definitely antifreeze inside. At the slightest doubt, replace the fluid with the recommended one.
2. The hardening of the washing agent can also bring big troubles. In the summer we all use water to wash our windows, that's understandable. Only in the fall, many motorists forget to change it to an anti-freeze. This leads to complete solidification of the tank and washer pipes.

It will take a long time to warm up. To do this, you can use the warm box or the underground parking of the supermarket. To prevent such a situation, change the liquid in time, before the first frost. When choosing a product, pay attention that there is no strong unpleasant odor, otherwise its use may result in nausea, dizziness, and in some cases, serious poisoning. Ordinary, the cheapest vodka can be a good alternative to washer fluid.

There are some other useful notes for winter driving comfort:

• Since daylight hours are limited, and darkness takes most of the day, carefully monitor the health of the headlights and dimensions;
• Examine interior heaters, windows and mirrors to see if everything is working;
• Take the brake system check seriously. Uneven clamping of the pads on a slippery road can lead to skidding;
• The same is with the hand brake - it often freezes in the depressed position and blocks the wheels;
• Do not defrost the car locks with hot water. Yes, it is an effective remedy, but what are the consequences? Firstly, the paintwork suffers from a sharp temperature drop. And, secondly, the water ends up in the well. It is now hot and does not allow the lock to freeze, but after a few minutes it will cool down and will only complicate further opening. It is better to use a heated key or a special well-known means;
• Cleaning glasses with hot water is also dangerous. An abrupt transition from cold to warmth can destroy not only ice, but also the glass itself;
• You need to wash your car more often in winter. Salt, dirt and reagents destroy the bodywork. But this must be done with cool water so that there is no sharp difference in temperature.

What you need in a car in winter

For those who often travel outside the city, this item will be especially relevant. But, given the snowiness of the last winters, it will come in handy in "civilization":

• A long-handled brush and glass scraper will remove snow and ice from the car;
• The shovel will help you get out of the snowdrift;
• Lighting wires will revive someone's battery;
• Rugs with high sides will prevent snow from entering and melting under the interior trim, which, in turn, will not cause rust and decay there;
• The crankcase protection will ensure the safety of parts and assemblies from a high icy track;
• Alarm with auto start will noticeably "warm" the life of the driver;
• On long trips, take a phone charger, cable, warm clothes or a blanket with you and write down the tow truck number.

Preparing a car for cold weather is a responsible process. In some cases, incorrect actions can lead to serious damage or accidents. But equally important is the driver's ability to quickly adapt to weather conditions. Changing the driving style in time will allow you to avoid troubles and not make mistakes on the road.